Published By Olumide Donald On Tuesday May 20, 2025
In today’s Nigeria,the cry for transformation and godly leadership is louder than ever. With over 60% of the population under30, the youth are not only the future– they are the now. Yet many young people,vespecially Christians, shy away from politics due to fear,apathy ,or the mistaken belief that politics is inherently corrupt. But the truth is : politics needs the purity, vision, and values that Christian youths bring.
And the Bible agrees.
1.God Has Always Used Youths In Leadership
The Bible is filled with examples of young men and women who stepped into positions of power and changed the course of history. Their stories serve not only as spiritual inspiration but also as practical motivation for today’s Christian youths to engage in political processes.
a. Joseph—Prime Minister at 30 (Genesis 41:39-40)
Joseph went from prison to prime minister in a foreign land at just 30 years old. His wisdom, vision and God-given strategy saved Egypt and surrounding nations from famine. Leadership doesn’t wait for age—it answers to purpose and preparation.
b. David– Anointed as King in His Teens (1 Samuel 16:11-13)
Though a Shepherd boy, David was chosen and anointed by God while still a youth. He later became the most iconic king in Israel’s history. God sees leadership potential in youth even when others overlook them.
c. Josiah- King at 8, National Reformer at 16(2 Kings 22: 1-2; 2 Chronicles 34:1-7)
Josiah began to seek the Lord at age 16 and led powerful reforms that turned an entire nation back to God. His example proves that youths can lead revival— even in government.
d. Esther- A Young Queen with National Influence (Esther 4:14)
Esther rose to royalty while still young and used her platform to save her people. Her courage and timing echo loudly to today’s youths: ” Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
2.Jesus Empowered Youths To Lead
Jesus Himself began his public ministry at 30, and so many of his disciples were likely in their teens or early twenties. He entrusted then with a global assignment–to preach,teach, heal and lead. The early church was powerdby youthful energy and spiritual authority. In the same way ,the Nigerian church must empower her youths to take up space not just in the pulpit, but in the Parliament.
3.Voting And Contesting Are Acts of Stewardship
Romans 13:1 tells us that ” there is no authority except that which God has established.” This means political authority is sacred- participating in elections is a way of honoring that sacred trust. To vote is to steward your voice, To contest Is to steward your influence.
Christians are called to ” occupy till I come” (Luke 19:13) –which implies active engagement in societal Leadership until Chris returns.
4.The Danger of Political Apathy
When good people do nothing, evil thrives (Proverbs 29:2) . If Christians refuse to participate in governance, they leave the stage to those who do not fear God. The results are policies and systems that contradict kingdom values. The church must go from the pews to the polls–and from the pulpit to parliament.
5.The Grassroots Mobilisation for Tinubu (GMT): A Launchpad for Christian Youth Leaders.
Initiatives like the Grassroots Mobilisation for Tinubu (GMT) and the Youth Confab established by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are platforms for change. GMT , in particular, serves as a political springboard for Christian youths to learn,serve and lead.
Through involvement in GMT, young Christians can prepare to contest elections at local and national levels in 2027 and beyond. President Tinubu’s leadership style favours youth engagement, mentorship, and inclusion making now the perfect time for Christian youths to position themselves strategically.
6.From the Bible to the Ballot Box: Practical Steps for Christian Youths.
.Register to vote and encourage others to for the same.
.Join political structures that align with your values.
.Contest local elections- start small, think big.
.Advocate for righteous governance using your voice,platform ,and votes.
.Pray, Plan, and participate. Prayer is powerful, but action is required.
Conclusion: Its Our Time
Dear Christian youth, you are not too young to lead. You are not too holy for politics. In fact, your faith, fire , and focus are exactly what this nations needs. Let the examples of Joseph, Esther, David, and Josiah stir something within you.Let the state of our nation ignite a sense of divine responsibility. And let GMT and The Youth Confab become the ladder on which you climb to leadership.
Nigeria waits for the Daniels and Deborah’s of this generation. Will you rise?
”Let no man despise thy youth;but be thou an example of the believers…”–1 Timothy 4: 12
Ayobo/IpajaTV.com 