Omotayo Adigun
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has delivered a strong condemnation of the growing trend of transactional politics within Nigeria, where allegations have surfaced regarding politicians financially incentivizing young individuals to engage in the harassment and discrediting of advocates for good governance on social media platforms.
Speaking at Johns Hopkins University in Washington, D.C., in a video address on Thursday, Obi described this practice as a profound betrayal of the Nigerian youth, whose future is intrinsically linked to the quality of governance in the nation.
Obi specifically highlighted the alleged monetary aspect of this manipulation, stating,
“In the transactional politics of Nigeria, some people pay them to cause confusion. Go to social media, those that are being paid ₦20,000, ₦40,000 monthly to abuse you are the same youths you’re fighting for their llivesbecause I am over 60 and I have few years to go.”
He painted a stark picture of a situation where young Nigerians, who should be champions of reform, are instead being exploited to defend a system that ultimately undermines their own well-being.
He stressed the urgent necessity for a political awakening among the youth, urging them to reject the allure of short-term financial gains offered by corrupt politicians.
Instead, Obi passionately advocated for the embrace of knowledge acquisition, the cultivation of critical thinking skills, and the active exercise of civic responsibility as the true pathways to empowerment and meaningful change.
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Obi’s remarks also addressed the concerning rise of online misinformation and targeted harassment within Nigeria’s digital political sphere. He noted that this digital toxicity is frequently directed towards opposition voices and individuals actively campaigning for political and societal reform.
He emphasized that this environment further compounds the challenges faced by young people seeking to engage constructively in the political process.
Concluding his address, Obi reiterated his belief in the potential of Nigerian youth, stating,
“We must move away from politics driven by money and manipulation. Our youths must be empowered with knowledge, not stipends to insult those seeking change.”
He underscored the importance of equipping young Nigerians with the intellectual tools needed to discern truth from falsehood and to participate in politics based on principles rather than financial inducements.