Politicians are turning Nigerian youths into political labourers – Sule Lamido

Former Jigawa State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party PDP founding member, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has criticised the growing use of Nigerian youths as political tools and labourers.

Lamido raised the concern on Sunday in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, while addressing young Nigerians.

Lamido said he deliberately chose to engage youths instead of holding a conventional meeting with political elites.

He said the decision reflected his concern about their future and the challenges facing younger Nigerians.

The former governor argued that political leaders had failed to provide enough mentorship and character development for young people.

Lamido said politicians increasingly draw youths into activities marked by violence, hatred, abuse and intolerance.

He urged young Nigerians to embrace political participation based on ideas and principles.

The former governor also warned against mobilising youths around individual politicians rather than political values.

He said such practices could deepen divisions among young Nigerians.

Lamido urged youths in the PDP, All Progressives Congress APC and African Democratic Congress ADC to stop treating one another as enemies.

He said young Nigerians share many challenges and aspirations despite their political differences.

According to Lamido, party membership should not prevent youths from working together for the country’s progress.

The former governor called on political leaders and other stakeholders to invest more in education, employment and mentorship.

He also stressed the need for proper character development among young Nigerians.

Lamido said previous generations benefited from guidance from political leaders, elders, religious institutions and other community structures.

He said such guidance helped shape their values and prepared them for leadership.

Lamido urged youths across the North, South, East and West to recognise their shared interests and responsibilities.

He said Nigeria’s future depends largely on how well young people prepare for leadership.

The former governor called for a new generation of leaders who will demonstrate competence, integrity, tolerance and national responsibility.