By Ahmed Magem
The political season in Gombe State is once again upon us, and with it, a familiar and disheartening spectacle: thousands of young people, full of energy and hope, wasting their time and energy fighting over politicians on social media, then succumbing to the latest fad of trekking punishing distances of over 50 kilometers. Not for a marathon, not for a protest demanding a better future, but for a politician. This act, often celebrated by the very figures it benefits, is not a show of loyalty or dedication; it is a profound and painful illustration of the failure of governance and a stark reminder of how little our youth are valued.
For a young person to endure a long, grueling journey on foot, often under the scorching sun, is a testament to their desperation for a future that feels out of reach. It speaks of a society that has so hollowed out its youth that they see their physical endurance—their sweat and sacrifice—as the only currency they have to buy a seat at the table. These aren’t acts of patriotism; they are a tragic exchange where the promise of a job, a small handout, or even just a moment of recognition is deemed worth the humiliation and physical toll.
It’s a cycle that has plagued Nigerian politics for decades. Politicians, whether serving or intending, exploit the high rates of unemployment and a lack of opportunities to mobilize a ready-made “army” of supporters. This practice turns our brightest and most energetic demographic into mere props for political rallies, used to project a false image of popular support. It’s a system built on a foundation of poverty, and it’s a profound disservice to the very people it claims to serve.
The youths of Gombe South deserve better. They deserve a future where their energy is channeled into building startups, acquiring skills, and contributing to the real economy. They deserve a political landscape where they are not just tools for a campaign, but the beneficiaries of good governance. The true measure of a leader’s success should not be how many young people they can get to trek for them, but how many they can empower to build a life of dignity and self-reliance.
Walking miles for a selfie with a lawmaker may offer fleeting pride, but it does little to advance personal or communal welfare. True influence arises from informed engagement, strategic collaboration, and the judicious allocation of time. Gombe South’s youth stand to benefit far more by investing in their skills, leveraging modern communication channels, and insisting on genuine accountability from those who seek their votes.
Until we, as a society, reject this transactional politics, we will continue to see our most valuable asset—our youth—expending their strength on the long walk to nowhere, while the political elite ride comfortably in air-conditioned cars, oblivious to the tragic waste of potential they have left in their wake.
