Former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido has urged political leaders across Nigeria to stop using young people as political thugs and labourers in election campaigns. The ex‑governor made the comments in a recent statement, warning that such practices could undermine the country’s democratic process.
Lamido, who served as governor of Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023, criticised the trend of mobilising youths to perform menial or violent tasks for political parties. He said that turning the nation’s young citizens into “thugs” not only disrespects their potential but also risks escalating political violence.
In his remarks, Lamido called on leaders to treat the country’s large youth population with dignity and to provide them with constructive roles rather than coercing them into the political arena. He stressed that the future of Nigeria depends on a generation that is empowered, not exploited.
While the statement was made in the context of upcoming elections, it echoes a broader concern among Nigerian politicians about the increasing involvement of young people in campaign activities. Lamido’s warning highlights the need for more responsible engagement of youth in the political process.
His call for a shift in how political campaigns recruit and use young people comes at a time when Nigeria’s electorate is one of the largest in Africa, with a significant proportion of voters under the age of 35. Lamido’s message is a reminder that the country’s political leaders must safeguard the rights and safety of its youngest citizens.
<small>Source: Punch Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>