Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed deep concern over the rise of transactional politics in Nigeria, where some politicians reportedly pay youths to target and insult advocates of good governance on social media.
Obi spoke on the topic, ‘Politics and Change in Nigeria’ at Johns Hopkins University in Washington, D.C.
Obi lamented what he described as troubling: Nigerian youths are recruited and compensated to sow discord online.
“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,” he said.
He stated that Nigerian youths are very talented, but their talents are not maximized as a result of the poor governance that the country has been grappling with over the years.
He explained that politicians exploit the youth for their political interests and to attack their perceived political enemies.
He described the situation as both disheartening and ironic, noting that the very individuals working against reform efforts are the ones who stand to benefit most from a more accountable and transparent government.
Obi emphasised the need for a major political reorientation among Nigerian youths, urging them to resist being used as tools by corrupt political actors.
“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 added.
His comments come amid growing concerns over misinformation and online harassment in Nigeria’s digital political space, especially targeting reform-minded voices and opposition figures.
“Go to Nigeria, youths are being paid just ₦20,000 by politicians to insūlt those f!ghting for their future on social media.”
-Mr Peter Obi currently speaking at John Hopkins, Washington DC.
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