@Eleanore56568@xavierofficials Chickens get up early to catch the early morning insects and Dogs go sleep late because they make sure their territory is safe from intruders
#The_Political_Weaponization_of_Social_Issues_in_Northern_Nigeria
One consistent feature of political practice in Northern Nigeria is the readiness of many politicians to exploit social and economic conditions for political gain. Poverty, religion, insecurity, illiteracy, high birth rates, and even underage children have all become tools in the political playbook. Tragically, a large section of the poor masses remains unaware of this manipulation and continues to be easily swayed by leaders who benefit from keeping these problems unsolved.
1. Poverty as a Political Tool:
Poverty is not just a condition, it’s currency during elections.
Example: In the 2023 elections, reports from Kano, Katsina, and Zamfara showed politicians distributing rice, spaghetti, and ₦500-₦2000 cash on election day. A hungry man is more likely to sell his vote than ask for roads or schools. After elections, the handouts stop, but the poverty remains. This creates a cycle where leaders have no incentive to end poverty because it guarantees cheap political loyalty.
2. Religion as an Emotional Trigger:
Northern politicians often frame elections as a battle to “protect Islam” rather than a contest of ideas.
Example: During campaigns, some candidates accuse opponents of being “anti-Islam” or “secret Christians” without evidence. In 2011, post-election violence erupted partly because politicians pushed the narrative that a loss meant Islam was under threat. Religion, which should unite, is used to divide voters and distract from poor governance records.
3. Insecurity as a Campaign Strategy:
Rather than solving insecurity, some leaders use it to appear indispensable.
Example: Banditry in the Northwest has displaced millions. Yet, instead of coordinated security plans, some politicians are accused of paying “ransom negotiators” or using the crisis to demand more security votes, funds that lack accountability. The message to the masses becomes: “Only I can protect you,” even when insecurity worsens under their watch.
4. Illiteracy and Lack of Political Awareness:
The North has the highest out-of-school children rate in Nigeria, over 10 million according to UNICEF.
Example: An illiterate voter cannot read a party manifesto or fact-check claims. Politicians exploit this by spreading propaganda through local radio in Hausa, framing opponents as enemies of the North. With limited access to independent media, many voters accept what traditional rulers or clerics aligned with politicians tell them.
5. Indiscriminate Childbirth and the Almajiri System:
High birth rates without corresponding economic planning create a pool of vulnerable youths.
Example: The Almajiri system produces millions of children begging on the streets. During elections, these same children are seen at rallies, used as crowd-renters, or even as underage voters. Because their parents are poor and uneducated, the cycle repeats - more children, less education, more political thuggery available for hire.
6. Use of Underage Children:
The manipulation extends to children who should be in school.
Example: Videos from multiple election cycles show children thumbprinting ballot papers in states like Kano and Jigawa. INEC has admitted to “ineligible voters” on the register. These children don’t understand governance; they’re used to inflate numbers for politicians who then claim “grassroots support.”
Why the Poor Masses Fall for It:
1. Lack of Civic Education: Many don’t know that the job of a governor is not to share rice, but to build schools and hospitals.
2. Trust in Traditional/Religious Authority: If a respected Imam or Emir signals support for a candidate, followers comply without questioning policies.
3. Immediate Survival vs. Long-Term Gain: A bag of rice today feels safer than a promise of industrialization in 4 years.
4. Decades of Conditioning: When poverty and illiteracy persist for generations, people normalize being used. 📌
What is the Nigerian government doing about the excessive and indiscriminate house rent increases by landlords? Is there no law that regulates house rent in Nigeria?
@FHANigeria@NGRSenate@officialABAT@SaharaReporters