Episode description

In 2018, Nigeria passed the Not Too Young to Run bill, opening doors for younger candidates by lowering the age limits to hold office. This movement was meant to bring a shift, a break from the old ways of using power. But did it?

Last month Nigerian MP Alex Ikwechegh, was caught slapping and intimidating a taxi driver who had delivered food to his house. Ikwechegh, aged 42, is one of Nigeria’s youngest MPs, he was brought to office by the Not Too Young to Run movement. The taxi driver filmed the incident and the video went viral, sparking outrage.

Many Nigerians hoped younger leaders would leave behind the misuse of power and bad behaviour seen in politicians in the past.

In today’s Africa Daily Alan Kasujja looks at the controversy and the questions incidents like this raise for young politicians in Africa.