Udenwe, an Ebonyi illustrious author, gave the warning in a statement shared on his social media platforms on Sunday, where he reflected on his experiences in partisan politics and the challenges faced by young aspirants.
He recounted his first attempt at elective office in 2019 when he contested for the Ebonyi State House of Assembly at the age of 31, noting that resistance from party stakeholders was immediate despite his qualification and the opportunities created by the Not Too Young to Run law.
According to him, internal party dynamics were skewed in favour of older political actors, with stakeholders allegedly influencing outcomes through a series of meetings and backdoor arrangements that sidelined younger candidates.
“Stakeholders were uneasy. They questioned how someone young and independent-minded could be controlled,” he said, adding that some candidates who won party primaries were denied their mandates through such interference.
Udenwe further disclosed that similar patterns played out during his recent consultations to contest for the House of Representatives ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He alleged that influential party figures convened multiple strategy meetings and deployed what he described as underhand tactics to frustrate his ambition.
He claimed that at higher levels of decision-making, a select group of political heavyweights tend to protect their own interests, often at the expense of merit and broader party inclusiveness.
The aspirant expressed concern that many young politicians mistakenly believe loyalty to established political figures would guarantee support when it matters most.
“As a young person interested in governance, do not assume that these so-called bosses will stand by you when critical decisions are made.
“In most cases, if you are not part of the inner circle, they will neither defend nor promote your interest," he said.
He also criticised what he described as a culture of political apprenticeship that demands prolonged loyalty without reciprocal commitment, questioning whether established leaders are willing to invest resources and political capital in nurturing younger successors.
Udenwe warned that continued dominance of party structures by older stakeholders risks excluding competent young people from leadership and weakening democratic representation.
He stressed the need for deliberate efforts to elevate younger individuals into positions of influence, arguing that generational inclusion is essential for sustainable political development.
The aspirant further lamented divisions among youths, noting that young politicians often face opposition from their peers instead of support, a trend he said undermines collective progress.
He urged young Nigerians to build independent political capacity and support one another, rather than relying solely on elite endorsement within party hierarchies.
