Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has called on Nigerians, particularly those in their 30s to 50s, to actively pursue elective positions rather than confining their political participation to social media debates.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Saturday, the former lawmaker observed that many individuals in their middle years are often found engaging in online commentary while younger politicians occupy strategic offices like House of Representatives, State Assembly, and Local Government Chairmanship positions.
Sani advised this demographic to excuse themselves from the comment sections of platforms like Facebook, X, and Instagram, register with a political party, and aspire to contest for leadership roles to provide the governance they advocate for.
He described recent surveys suggesting Nigerian youths are more active on social media than in politics as “not helpful,” emphasising that real political engagement must go beyond online platforms.
The senator also encouraged aspiring politicians not to be deterred by a perceived lack of financial resources, noting that many current office holders did not have an easy start in their political journeys.
“Don’t be discouraged or scared because ‘you don’t have money’ to join politics,” Sani wrote. “You need to hear the story of most of those you see in power today; it wasn’t an easy ride from the beginning. If they can be, so you can.”
The statement serves as a direct challenge to Nigerians in their prime years to transition from political spectators and commentators to active contenders in the electoral arena.
