Millions of young Nigerians register as first time voters

MILLIONS of young Nigerians have registered as first-time voters for tomorrow’s elections, spurred on by a movement against police brutality.

The voting is expected to be the most competitive since the end of the military rule in 1999, with many young people backing third-party presidential contender Peter Obi of the Labour Party in a break with the usual two-candidate contest.

Many spent days queueing to pick up permanent voter cards, resulting in the election commission extending the deadline for collection by two weeks.

In 2020, the EndSars protests swept the country, turning into a call for a change of government.

The protests were brutally repressed by the army but led to the disbandment of the Sars police unit, which was known for profiling young people.

Rinu Odula, a 24-year-old woman who took part in the protests and camped outside the governor’s office in Lagos for weeks, said: “The hopes we placed in the current president have been crushed.

“The typical response from our politicians when young Nigerians complain is that we don’t vote.

“Well, another generation has lately become aware of their responsibilities to join hands to make this nation work.”

President Muhammadu Buhari is barred from seeking re-election, having already served two terms.