Money Politics and the Not Too Young to Run Act in Nigeria

Abstract

The paper interrogates the impact of money politics on youth inclusion as candidates for elective positions through the instrumentality of the ‘Not Too Young to Run Act.’ It argues that while the signing of the Act removed a basic hindrance to youth candidacy by lowering the age eligibility for contesting for public offices. It, however, observed that undue use of monetisation of the electoral process undercuts youth capacity to compete. To that end, it suggests that the provision on the limitation of election expenses for various elective offices must be strictly enforced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Political parties are also admonished to lower the cost of their expression of interest and nomination forms to prevent the unwholesome system of highest bidder. Lastly, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and sister agencies must see to it that those that involve in vote buying and selling are arrested and prosecuted.