Ex PDP Presidential Aspirant Dr. Anakwenze Urges Systemic Overhaul to Empower Nigerian Youth in Politics, Slams Corruption as Major Barrier

On February 26, 2025, Dr. Anakwenze, a former PDP presidential aspirant and vocal youth advocate, joined a pivotal discussion on Silverbird Television to address the role of young Nigerians in reshaping the nation’s political future. The dialogue centered on systemic barriers hindering youth participation, despite the landmark 2018 "Not Too Young to Run" bill signed by the Buhari administration. While the law spurred an influx of young candidates vying for offices, Dr. Anakwenze highlighted the stark challenges they face, including exorbitant campaign costs, delegate corruption, and entrenched tribal-religious biases.

When asked if Nigerian youths are "doing something wrong," Dr. Anakwenze reframed the narrative, stressing that education and skill development must precede political ambition. "Politics is just a small part of what they need to do. We need to focus on providing government-funded education not just degrees. In America, 30% pursue vocational skills. We need electricians, plumbers, and technicians. If I had control, I’d allocate one-third of Nigeria’s budget to skill acquisition,” he asserted.

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Dismissing blame on youths, Anakwenze indicted Nigeria’s corrupt system. "The problem is a structure built on corruption, tribalism, and religion. Delegates demand ten thousand dollars, fifteen thousand dollars bribes Ghana-must-go bags filled with cash than to even listen to ideas. When I ran, delegates ignored my policies because ministers and governors had already bribed them with 20,000 dollars each. How can youths compete?" He contrasted Nigeria’s stagnation with China’s post-1949 rise: "They lacked resources but had discipline. We’re endowed yet last among nations’a shame when others target Mars while we debate theft!

A guest anchor, David from Lagos, questioned whether political party youth wings or the youths themselves are to blame for limited influence. Anakwenze praised Nigerian talents excelling globally, citing a Yoruba-born Deputy U.S. Treasury Secretary, but lamented local systemic failures. "Our youths shine abroad but face hunger and poor governance here. India’s youth dominate globally despite having more education than them, why not us? We must prepare our children to lead."

On preparations for the 2027 elections, Anakwenze urged youths to prioritize education, skills, and small businesses before politics. "In America, youths start as councilors or state legislators. Nigeria’s youths should begin at grassroots levels’ local government, mayoral roles’ even if it requires capital our corrupt system denies them.” He endorsed reserving local offices for youths, mirroring global precedents: "Start small, like in the U.S., and climb gradually."

Closing with a stark warning, Anakwenze decried Nigeria’s resource mismanagement: "Japan lacks resources but buys our oil and silver to build Toyotas. We buy them back! Unless we discipline ourselves and empower youths, the black world’s hope dies with Nigeria."