Youths, Gender and The Nature of Politics In Contemporary Nigeria: Focus On Isuokoma

Abstract

This study centres on the youth and gender factors in politics within Nigeria. It focused on how the character of the Nigerian state has undermined  the positive and sustainable participation of youths and the female gender in politics. The study used key informant interview to select a number of  respondents from different spheres of life for interview. The theory of African feminism and populism were used to explain the study, especially how  the elite have undermined the popular contributions of the youth and female gender in Isuokoma politics in particular and Nigeria in general.  The study identified electoral violence, poverty, godfatherism and other factors as the major factors undermining the effective representation of  women and youths in Nigerian politics. It therefore recommends gender parity, youth empowerment programs, business promotion and the  elimination of godfatherism as the path to sustainable political development in Nigeria.