Peter Obi speaking at Johns Hopkins University in Washington, D.C.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, has criticized the prevailing culture of transactional politics in the country, stating that many politicians pay young people to sow discord and attack voices of reason online.

Speaking at an event at Johns Hopkins University in Washington, D.C., Obi lamented the state of political engagement, especially on social media, where he said many youths are being used as tools to silence those pushing for national progress.

“In Nigeria, politicians pay youths ₦20,000 or ₦40,000 to insult people who are fighting for their future,” Obi said. “Most of these people causing confusion online are young people people we are fighting for. I’m over 60, I don’t have much time left, but we can still get it right.”

The former Anambra State governor emphasized the need for young Nigerians to reject being used as political pawns and instead focus on holding leaders accountable and championing sustainable reforms.