Youth Participation and Political Change: An Evaluation of the Socio-Economic Drivers of the #endbadgovernance Protests in Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria is on the verge of a significant crisis, fueled by a disproportionately unemployed youth population, alongside a skyrocketing cost of living that has made life increasingly unbearable for both those who are gainfully employed and those who are not. Regardless, the country's political leadership at the federal, state, and local levels has been accused of being disconnected from this reality, as exemplified by the deregulation in the petroleum sector and the devaluation of the national currency, which have exacerbated the country’s already existing hardships and thus triggered a youth protest under #endbadgovernance. Relying on primary sources, 150 questionnaires were administered to identified respondents, including youth, social activists, and government officials, using the purposive sampling method. The data collected was analysed using simple percentages and further complemented with material from secondary sources. While the study's findings reveal that the #endbadgovernance protest was fueled by Nigeria’s socio-economic conditions and is, therefore, a manifestation of resentment against poor governance, the study recommends increased youth engagement in the country’s political process.