Some hours before the commencement of the general elections, a former United States Ambassador to China, Ambassador Derek Mitchell, has said that “the US is interested in Nigeria’s fledgling democracy.”
Mitchell, who is also the President of National Democratic Institute (NDI),stated this Thursday in Abuja during a Fireside chat event organized by YIAGA Africa, in collaboration with NDI and YoungStars Foundation Initiative.
The event, with the theme: “Youth and the future of democracy in Africa”, had in attendance leaders of the #NotTooYoungToRun movement, NDI partners, leaders of youth and civil society organizations, scholars and members of political parties.
Interacting with participants and civil society leaders at the event, Mitchell said that the power of democracy rests on the people to choose their leaders, the leaders, in turn, will control the people.
He said: “The beauty of democracy is building young people to take over government. Democracy is not just about elections, there is a lot involved, especially the legacy of having a good government. There is no one style of democracy, as it depends on the country.
“The U.S does not have another agenda being interested in the politics of Nigeria or other African countries, but we are interested in peaceful elections. Of course, democracy may not solve all your problems as a country, but, unlike autocracy, it allows you to change your government if you don’t like it.”
Also speaking, the Executive Director of YIAGA Africa, Mr Samson Itodo, who moderated the fireside chat, said that democracy is evolving in Nigeria and that there will be more inclusion of young people in 2023 elections.
“We need to celebrate our success in NotTooYoungToRun movement. 2019 is a transition for the two main actors in the PDP and APC, but 2023 will be up for grabs. We are preparing young people for 2023 elections. We are building our strategy around 2023,” he said.
