Forward of the 2027 normal elections, youths in Nasarawa State have taken to trekking lengthy distances in solidarity with politicians simply as marketing campaign season approaches.
The follow, whereas supposed to present support, has raised questions in regards to the welfare of the younger individuals and the broader implications for the way forward for political engagement within the state.
Throughout a number of communities, photographs and movies of principally younger males strolling for hours or days as the case could also be, typically underneath intense warmth, have grow to be a well-known sight on social media.
Supporters describe the treks as acts of loyalty and sacrifice.
However for a rising variety of observers, the pattern is troubling, signalling deeper points about youth priorities, financial desperation, and the evolving nature of political mobilisation.
A number of residents, who spoke with DAILY POST, expressed concern that the event reinforces long-standing stereotypes about Nigerian youths.
A resident recognized as Ekka Egbi Phillip argued that the pattern “solely confirms what former President, late Muhammadu Buhari as soon as stated about Nigerian youths being lazy,” noting that vitality expended on political treks could possibly be channelled into expertise acquisition, schooling, or entrepreneurship.
One other resident who most popular not to be talked about provided a special perspective, describing the treks as a survival technique in harsh financial instances.
In accordance to him, many individuals are motivated by the expectation of fabric rewards.
“That is now one of many quickest methods younger individuals earn cash,” he stated.
“A few of them are given bikes, money presents, provided positions of aids when elected, or different incentives by politicians. For somebody struggling to survive, that’s onerous to ignore.”
Past the speedy welfare considerations, political analysts warn of long-term penalties for democratic accountability.
Critics argue that when political support is transactional, it weakens residents’ potential to demand good governance.
“As soon as votes are successfully paid for by presents and handouts, it turns into tough to query leaders or name them to order after they fail,” a civic advocate famous.
“Those that benefited from such inducements might really feel morally restrained or silenced when efficiency falls quick.”
Another residents who spoke to DAILY POST expressed concern that public shows of trekking are actually being elevated above structured political processes, significantly the position of occasion delegates.
In accordance to one respondent, the concentrate on trekkers dangers distorting inside democracy.
“It’s now as if trekkers matter greater than delegates,” he stated.
“As a substitute of politicians partaking occasion constructions and convincing delegates with concepts and plans, they now put money into spectacles that may be simply monetised,” he stated.
He stated this in response to a remark by one Aminu Mamuda Otaki who implied that Trekkers Matter Extra Than Delegates proper now.
“The well being and safety implications could also be debated, however any aspirant who can not encourage individuals to trek for him has no enterprise dreaming of successful the subsequent gubernatorial election, particularly within the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
“Developments don’t emerge accidentally. That some individuals nonetheless fail to grasp its political worth is frankly, surprising.
“For us within the enterprise of election administration, timing is all the things. Trekking in solidarity is the second. And proper now, trekkers matter greater than delegates,” Mamuda said as seen on Nasarawa Mirrors web page on Fb.
Observers argue that this shift may undermine credible candidate choice, as recognition on the street begins to overshadow competence, monitor file, and coverage depth.
There are additionally fears that such developments might open the door to vote-buying on a bigger scale.
The controversy gained renewed momentum following a extensively shared video posted by a social commentator recognized as Ramlat Al-Ameen, who delivered a reflective and emotional critique of the pattern.
Within the video, she questioned the message being handed on to youthful generations.
“At present, I travelled from my city to my state for cash, for a logo, a handshake, a photograph, a observe. What lesson am I instructing these behind me?”
Ramlat expressed concern that such actions ship the incorrect indicators about success and advantage.
“That effort alone doesn’t open doorways? That sweat doesn’t converse until energy listens? I concern as a result of I’m displaying them that arduous work doesn’t pay, however proximity does,” she added.
Her feedback struck a chord with many youths on-line, significantly her commentary that political proximity now seems extra rewarding than private growth.
“We trek to meet politicians, however we don’t trek to meet our potentials,” she stated, lamenting that creativity, technical expertise, and group service usually go unrewarded.
Drawing a stark comparability, Ramlat famous: “That is Naija the place trekking will get you a bike, whereas technical expertise get you ignored. No surprise brains are packing luggage whereas legs are successful prizes.”
She concluded with a pointed message on nationwide growth: “If trekking gave us jobs, I ought to have trekked to each state capital by now. However the fact is, it isn’t legs we want to transfer ahead. It’s about minds, expertise, and management.”
As Nigeria edges nearer to one other election cycle, observers in Nasarawa say the scenario displays a broader nationwide problem, how to rework youthful vitality from symbolic political gestures into significant civic participation and productive engagement.
For a lot of residents, the priority is now not nearly trekking, however about what it represents: a political tradition that rewards visibility over worth, loyalty over competence, and short-term beneficial properties over long-term empowerment.
Whether or not this pattern deepens or is redirected might form not solely the 2026 elections, however the future position of youths in Nigeria’s democracy.
Leave a Reply