Youthquake and Civil Disobedience in Nigeria

Abstract

The #EndSARS movement in 2020 marked a shift in Nigerian youth political engagement, deviating from their perceived apolitical stance. This article explores the multifaceted dimensions of youth-led civil disobedience, shaping Nigeria's political landscape in what can be termed a 'youthquake.' Representing 70 percent of the population, Nigerian youth, frustrated by governance issues, have significantly impacted the nation's politics. Anchored in social identity theory and employing desk-based research, this study delves into events like the looting of COVID-19 palliatives, the aftermath of the October 20, 2020 #EndSARS protest, circumventing the federal government's Twitter ban using Virtual Private Networks, and protest voting in the 2023 elections, including the #Obidient mantra. These events which focused on the 2019-2023 Buhari administration were content analysed to identify embedded meanings and patterns of civil disobedience that elucidated government responses. The findings underscore a predominantly authoritarian reaction to youth civil disobedience, emphasizing the need for a democratic approach. It concludes with the imperative for the government to address genuine concerns of the youth, advocating for a more inclusive and responsive government.