by Olaitan Babatunde
In a country where many university students are juggling tuition deadlines, unstable hostels, rising transport fares and the occasional lecturer who still believes eight o clock classes build character, news that students in Katsina contributed ₦21 million to purchase governorship nomination forms for a politician has naturally sparked conversation. According to reports, the students bought the Peoples Democratic Party nomination and expression of interest forms for Yakubu Lado, citing his scholarship support and educational interventions as the reason behind their support. The students described the gesture as a form of gratitude and belief in his leadership ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
At first glance, it looks inspiring. Young people coming together, contributing their own resources, and publicly backing someone they believe has impacted their lives. In a political environment where most youths are often described as apathetic or disconnected, this seems like the opposite. It suggests political engagement, loyalty, and perhaps a shift from online activism to real political participation. But politics is rarely that simple. When students begin raising millions for a politician, it is worth asking whether this is grassroots democracy in action or the early signs of personality politics dressed in appreciation.
There is nothing wrong with supporting a leader whose investments have changed lives. In fact, many democracies are built on citizens backing leaders who have earned public trust. But Nigeria’s political history also teaches caution. We have seen philanthropy become political capital, scholarships become campaign tools, and empowerment programmes quietly transform into vote building machines. That does not automatically make this case suspicious, but it does make it politically significant. Gratitude is noble. Political loyalty without scrutiny is where things get complicated.
There is also the deeper question of institutions. Why are students, who should ideally be pushing for stronger education budgets, better infrastructure, and policy reforms, being drawn into funding individual political ambitions. Is this a sign of hope in leadership, or a sign that institutions have become so weak that citizens now invest in personalities instead of systems. When politics becomes about who helped me personally rather than who can govern effectively, democracy starts becoming emotional instead of institutional.
Still, this moment says something important about Nigerian politics in 2026. Young people are no longer just spectators. They are organising, funding, mobilising and shaping political narratives. That in itself is powerful. The challenge now is ensuring that this energy is tied not just to names, faces, or goodwill stories, but to ideas, accountability and policy. Because if students can raise ₦21 million for a politician, imagine what they could do if they demanded the same level of commitment from the system itself.
