Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed dismay over the growing trend of Nigerian youths accepting payments from politicians to insult and discredit advocates of good governance online.
Speaking at Johns Hopkins University in Washington, D.C., Obi described the situation as both disheartening and ironic, noting that the same youths who are being used to derail reform efforts are the ones who stand to benefit most from a transparent and accountable government.
“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 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.
Watch the video below:
“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. pic.twitter.com/63wBGISq0y
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) April 24, 2025