PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF FACTORS HINDERING YOUTH POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN MINNA METROPOLIS, NIGER STATE: A SURVEY STUDY

Abstract

This study examined the public perception of the factors preventing youth from
active participation in politics in Minna Metropolis, Niger State. The study adopted a survey
research design, and the population of the study comprised 600,800 youth and adult residents of
Minna Metropolis who are familiar with political activities in the area. A sample size of 384
respondents was selected using the Krejcie and Morgan Table. A stratified random sampling
technique was used to ensure equal representation of both male and female respondents. Data were
collected using a structured questionnaire. The instrument was validated by experts and pilot-tested
with 50 respondents in Paikoro LGA. Cronbach's Alpha was used to assess the instrument's
reliability, yielding an index of 0.82. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and
standard deviation) to answer the research questions, while inferential statistics (the t-test) were
used to test the null hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that youth
participation in politics in Minna Metropolis is generally low (Mean = 2.11), contesting for political
positions (Mean = 1.98), participation in elections (Mean = 2.21), and representation in political
leadership positions (Mean = 1.87), as all mean values were below the decision benchmark of 2.50.
The study concluded that youth participation in politics in Minna Metropolis, Niger State, is
generally low despite strong youth interest in political issues. The study recommends that
government and political institutions should create inclusive platforms that encourage youths to
actively participate in political activities such as voting, campaigning, and decision-making
processes.