According to Nivo News, a growing trend of youths in Nasarawa State trekking long distances to publicly display support for politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections has sparked widespread criticism and debate.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

As campaign activities gradually intensify, images and videos circulating on social media show mostly young men walking for hours—and in some cases days—across communities under harsh weather conditions in what supporters describe as acts of loyalty and sacrifice. However, the development has raised serious concerns about the welfare of the participants and the deeper implications for political engagement and youth empowerment in the state.

Many observers argue that the trend reflects troubling realities around economic hardship, desperation and shifting political mobilisation strategies. Some residents expressed worry that such public displays reinforce negative stereotypes about Nigerian youths, suggesting that the energy devoted to political trekking could be better channelled into education, skills acquisition or entrepreneurship.

Others offered a more pragmatic explanation, noting that the treks have become a survival strategy for many young people struggling in a harsh economy. According to some accounts, participants are often motivated by the promise of financial rewards, motorcycles, cash gifts or future political appointments, making the practice difficult to resist for those facing daily economic pressure.

Beyond immediate welfare issues, political analysts have warned that transactional support could weaken democratic accountability. Critics argue that when political loyalty is rewarded with gifts and handouts, it becomes harder for citizens to question leaders or demand good governance once they assume office.

Concerns have also been raised about the impact on internal party democracy, with some residents lamenting that public trekking displays now appear to overshadow structured political processes such as delegate engagement. According to them, political spectacles are increasingly prioritised over policy discussions, ideas and credible plans for governance.

The debate intensified following comments credited to a political actor who suggested that visible street support now carries more weight than party delegates in determining electoral success. This view, observers warn, risks shifting focus away from competence, track record and leadership capacity in candidate selection.

Public attention further increased after a widely shared video by a social commentator, Ramlat Al-Ameen, who delivered an emotional critique of the trend. In her remarks, she questioned the values being passed to younger generations, warning that the emphasis on political proximity over merit sends a damaging message about success and hard work.

She argued that while trekking may attract immediate rewards, it does little to promote long-term development, stressing that skills, creativity and leadership—not symbolic gestures—are what truly move societies forward. Her comments resonated strongly online, especially among youths who feel that effort and talent are increasingly undervalued.

As Nigeria moves closer to another election cycle, many residents in Nasarawa believe the issue goes beyond trekking itself, reflecting a broader political culture that rewards visibility over value and short-term gains over lasting empowerment. Observers warn that how this trend evolves could significantly shape not only future elections, but the role of youths in Nigeria’s democratic process.

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