Assessment of Political Participation and Representation of Youths' in the Politics of Ondo State Nigeria (2003-2018)

Abstract

The research work examined Youths' participation and representation in politics and decision-making process of Ondo State from 2003-2018. Available and existing literatures showed that Youths represent about half of Nigeria's population, just as in Ondo State. The research investigates the inversely relations of Youths' population compared to leadership positions occupied in Ondo State especially at the legislature and Executive levels in the years under study. The study adopts theory of political participation as its theoretical framework to midwife the work. In addition, research methodology comprises the use of both primary and secondary data as the primary data derived from the use of interview and survey research with emphases on the administration and analysis of well-structured questionnaire. Also, with the use of statistics such as percentage representation, frequency table and pictorial representation. The research also examined the roles of environmental factors, youths exhorbitant behaviours, societal structures and material facts that affect youths political participation and representation in Ondo State and the nation at large. From public policy perspectives, the findings of the research study provided veritable tools/insights for researchers, public policy analysist, Electoral agencies/reformers, political parties, politicians and Nigeria in the quest for Youths involvement in politics and leadership positions. Equally, the outcome of the research study enhanced future research work and discourse on democracy, Youths participation and representation in Ondo State particular and Nigeria in general.