2023: Osinbajo counters Saraki, says youth should run for offices

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has advised youths to contest for elective positions during the 2023 general elections.

His position contradicts former Sen. President Bukola Saraki’s who asked young Nigerians not to meddle in politics now.

While both agree political power won’t come easy to the youth, Osinbajo is asking them to get in with both feet in 2023.

Saraki however thinks otherwise.

“I don’t even want you to [contest] because you still have some good values. I don’t want you to be corrupted because for you to win you have to give up some good values that you have to be able to be competitive,” the PDP national leader said on the weekend.

“In preparation for 2023 general elections, we must realise that greater participation of our youths should not be mere rhetoric,” Osinbajo said at a workshop for young lawmakers I Lagos October 4.

“Power is never handed over on a platter. If you don’t bid, you can’t win. We must also register to vote.

“The whole essence is to ensure that youths get involved in the process of democracy and also in the parliamentary process,” Osinbajo said.

The vice-president was represented by the Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters (Senate) to President Muhammadu Buhari, Babajide Omoworare.