On March 28, Nigerians marched out to exercise their franchise in what is without a doubt the most significant elections in the history of Nigerian elections. Two elections were held on this day—Presidential and National Assembly elections—but the outcome of the Presidential elections will be most remembered by many for three important reasons.

Firstly, for the first time in the history of Nigerian elections, the opposition party democratically took control of the country from a ruling party, and from an incumbent. Secondly, for the first time in Nigeria history, an incumbent conceded defeat, and in the case of President Jonathan, placed a congratulatory call even before the final results were declared. The third reason is one for which Nigeria has been at the center of discussion—attracting the attention of the International community and leading to the signing on multiple peace accords, including with Kofi Annan—2015 presidential elections will be remembered because, unlike was feared by many, the announcement of the results was not greeted by wide spread violence.

Nigeria has these reasons and many more to be proud of the 2015 elections. As a young person who had the opportunity to witness and be a part of the 2015 electoral process, I am particularly proud of the immense contribution of youths to the electoral process. In the last few months leading to the election, young people have demonstrated by their actions and conduct that they are capable of playing a crucial role in politics if given the chance. Heck, I dare say they took the chance and ran with it!

Youths promote voter education
It is no news that young people and youth-led groups were at the fore front of voter education to support the important work of ensuring that the electorates, from the national down to the grassroots level, were not left out in the electoral process. Youth initiated popular weekly call-in election program #Roadto2015, which started in June 2013, was geared towards educating Nigerians on the electoral process in the lead up to the elections. Young people came up with innovative ways of educating voters about the electoral process—from radio programs, to voter education conferences, and creating voter education manuals—young people were relentless in supporting the effort of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Youths promote violence free elections
As concerns grew over the possibility of violence post 2015 presidential elections, Nigerians called on youths to not allow themselves to be used as tools for political violence. Not only did youths heed this call, young people launched initiatives to actively promote a peaceful 2015 elections. Both on and off social media, the messages of “Vote not Fight” were echoed as youths urged Nigerians to “Vote in Peace”. These campaigns played a key role in maintaining a peaceful Nigeria before, during and after the 2015 Presidential elections.

Youths promote issue-based campaign
In most developed democracies, debates form a critical part of the electoral campaign process. In Nigeria however, the culture of debate is novel. Candidates are more likely to engage in campaign rallies with more fanfare, than engage opponents in a televised issue-based debate – even if the debate platform provides a cost-free opportunity for them to connect with the electorates. But young people have again been seen as leading the call for issues driven engagement through debates since the 2011 elections when youth groups led the first youth focused presidential debate (What About Us?). Recognizing the need to continue to nurture Nigeria’s debate culture, and to promote youth participation in the electoral process, youth-led organization, Enough is Enough, once again partnered with youth groups to launch a “People’s Debate” in the lead up to the 2015 elections.

Youths working the elections
Since the 2011 elections, young Nigerians have played a critical role as INEC adhoc staff. In 2011, for the first time, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members were used as INEC adhoc staff. Unfortunately nine (9) of those Corps members lost their lives to post election violence. The Corps members were commended for the courageous role they played during the 2011 elections. This year over 300,000 young people will again work as Adhoc staff for the 2015 elections, contributing to yet another globally acclaimed credible “free, fair and credible’ Nigerian elections.
Youths as electoral observers

Election observation is an important tool for ensuring the credibility of elections. Every year, civil society groups, professional bodies and international organizations are accredited by INEC as observer groups. This year, youth groups formed part of the 107 groups accredited observer groups for the 2015 elections. On election day, I was opportune to visit a situation room that was hosted by a youth-led organization, Youth Initiative for Advocacy Growth and Advancement (YIAGA). I was amazed to learn that the organization had deployed over 1,600 youth election observers in sixteen (16) states who were live reporting activities in over a thousand polling units. On one occasion, one of the observers called from a polling unit in Amuwo- Odofin local government area in Lagos state to alert that people were agitated because of the late arrival of election materials, and also that there was no presence of security officials. Cynthia, a Program Manager at YIAGA, who received the call at the situation room placed a call to the federal emergency numbers to report the incident, and in a few minutes security officials arrived the polling unit. These youth observers in addition to voting in their various polling units also contributed to credible and violence free elections.

Youths and a historic campaign
Young people brought some innovation and edge to the 2015 presidential campaign. The two leading political parties engaged young people as a vehicle for reaching young Nigerians, especially via social media. We saw the flag runners of both PDP and APC reinvent themselves in a bid to change the perception of young Nigerians of them. The creative campaign messages shared via social media kept young Nigerians engaged as they mulled over which candidate deserved their vote.

What does the future hold for youths?
Fast forward to April 1, 2015. INEC chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega announces General Muhammadu Buhari as president elect. President Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari delivers a moving speech on the way forward for Nigeria. The election has once again been won. Then what?
What does the future hold for Nigerian youths in the political space? I will be interested to see how the new government will open the space to include more talented young Nigerians in a substantial way. Youths may not have contributed financially to the APC presidential campaign, but they have surely contributed immensely in many other ways.
Young people have proven yet again that they are capable of making meaningful contributions if given the chance. They have shown the commitment time and time again, to contributing to our young democracy. In his thank you message to Nigeria Youths President Elect General Muhammadu Buhari acknowledged the role that young people played in his victory.
“You have been with us from the very beginning. Many of you have left your jobs to work for the campaign, contributed your money and your time, volunteered in your areas and brought the innovation and energy that comes with youthfulness to bear on the outcome.”
He also noted in his thank you message that
“We shall also run a country that will listen to you, engage with you and take corrections from you. This is because the task of building Nigeria of our dreams cannot be done by us alone. We need you too.”
As I note the “US” and “YOU” dynamics in GMB’s message, it is my utmost hope that as we march towards May 29th, young people henceforth will be an integral part of “US”.
Now is the time for young people to demand for a level playing field.

Bella is the Curator of the Abuja Hub of the Global Shapers Community. She tweets via @bellanwa