Teenage participants at the maiden edition of the NILDS-Democracy Radio secondary school debate in Abuja have rejected the proposal to lower Nigeria’s voting age from 18 to 16.
The debate, organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) to mark Nigeria’s 26th year of uninterrupted democracy, featured students from several secondary schools across the Federal Capital Territory.
The topic for discussion was: “Is E-Voting the Future of Nigeria’s Democracy/Should the Voting Age Be Lowered to 16?”
While some participants supported expanding the franchise to younger citizens, most argued that 16-year-olds lack the emotional and mental maturity required for responsible voting.
Miss Oluwapamilerinayo Abobarin, a SS II student of Treasure Homes International School, said that scientific research indicates that the part of the brain responsible for decision-making is not fully developed until the mid-twenties.
“A 16-year-old is not emotionally stable to make decisions that affect a complex nation like Nigeria,” she said.
They are still dependent on their parents, easily influenced by social media, and vulnerable to manipulation.”
She also warned that lowering the voting age could set a precedent for younger individuals to seek elective office.
Imagine a 16-year-old becoming president because the right to vote comes with the right to be voted for,” she added.
Supporting her view, Miss Oluwadamilola Wright of Africa Community School, while speaking primarily against e-voting, also noted that democratic participation must be grounded in maturity and accountability.
However, some participants held opposing views. Miss Khadijah Matawale, representing Intelligence Quotient Academy, argued in favour of lowering the voting age, stating that teenagers are also citizens and deserve to be included in decision-making processes.
In countries like Australia, Cuba, and Brazil, 16- and 17-year-olds can vote. Nigeria should not be left behind,” she said.
“If they are affected by bad governance, they should have a say in choosing leaders.”
On the subject of e-voting, opinions were also divided. Wright argued that the system lacks transparency, as it is often operated by personnel appointed by those in power, thereby making manipulation possible.
She also cited high costs and the risk of disenfranchising voters in areas with limited digital access.
Master Ogbodo Kelvin of Government Secondary School, Area 10, Garki, supported e-voting, citing its potential to improve transparency, reduce electoral fraud, and contribute to environmental sustainability.
We’re in a digital age. E-voting reduces the use of paper and promotes a more conscious democratic process,” he said.
Speaking after the event, Mrs. Uju Nwachukwu, General Manager of NILDS-Democracy Radio, said the debate was designed to encourage young Nigerians to engage with democratic issues that affect their future.
“Following the reactions of young people after the 2023 elections, we decided to create a platform for them to express their views constructively,” she said.
Students from Africa Community School and Intelligence Quotient Academy emerged winners of the debate, which forms part of NILDS’ broader effort to promote civic education among Nigerian youth.
