Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 election, criticized the approach of young Nigerians towards politics following the inauguration of 44-year-old Bassirou Diomaye Faye as the Senegalese president.

Faye’s swearing-in ceremony took place in Dakar and was attended by various African leaders, sparking optimism that other African nations, including Nigeria, might elect young leaders as well.

Sowore expressed disappointment in Nigerian youths, stating that they seem more interested in securing roles as personal assistants to governors and senators than aspiring to leadership positions themselves.

Speaking from New Jersey in the United States, Sowore emphasized the need for Nigerian youths to be more proactive and bold in politics to emulate the political shift witnessed in Senegal.

Despite the Not Too Young Bill signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari, which allows youths to run for the presidency and other positions, Sowore believes that young people should not rely on legislation to seize power but should actively pursue leadership roles.