In every election cycle, communities are tested not only by the choices they make at the ballot box but also by the character they display during political contests. Unfortunately, recent interactions among some youths in Shiroro Local Government Area have raised concerns about the growing culture of hostility, personal attacks, and social media confrontations carried out in the name of political support.
Political participation is an essential part of democracy. However, it becomes dangerous and counterproductive when it begins to create division among people who share the same history, relationships, and aspirations.
As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of future elections in Niger State, social media platforms have become increasingly active with debates, commentaries, and exchanges among supporters of different political interests. While healthy political discussions are expected in any democratic society, there is an urgent need for caution regarding the manner in which these engagements are conducted.
Particularly within Shiroro Constituency, political conversations involving supporters of two notable aspirants seeking representation in the Niger State House of Assembly — Hon. Zaraddeen Babangida Wassa Kudodo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Dr. Idris Ibrahim Kuta of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) — have attracted considerable public attention. Both individuals are widely regarded as promising young personalities who have distinguished themselves in their respective professional and political journeys.
Regardless of political affiliation, it would be difficult for any fair-minded observer to deny that both men have demonstrated qualities that have earned them recognition and support from different segments of society. Their aspirations reflect the growing participation of young people in leadership and governance — a development that should inspire hope, healthy competition, and constructive engagement among the younger generation.
Unfortunately, some reactions and counter-reactions among supporters have, at times, shifted attention away from issues and ideas toward unnecessary confrontations. What should have remained healthy political engagement has, in some instances, degenerated into exchanges characterised by insults, mockery, retaliation, and personal attacks. Such conduct does little to promote the image of Shiroro or the values we claim to uphold as a people.
The question we must honestly ask ourselves is this: What exactly are we trying to achieve?
Shiroro is bigger than politics.
Long before political parties emerged, our communities existed. Long after elections have come and gone, our communities will continue to exist. We are connected by family ties, friendships, cultural heritage, business relationships, religious affiliations, and shared histories. Many of us attended the same schools, grew up in the same communities, and still interact daily regardless of our political differences.
It is therefore disappointing when educated youths — many of whom have benefited from both religious and Western education — engage in public exchanges that project intolerance rather than maturity. Even more troubling is the fact that some of these individuals have undergone civic and citizenship education, leadership training, and moral instruction, yet often fail to reflect those values in their public conduct.
Social media is a powerful tool capable of educating, inspiring, mobilising development initiatives, and strengthening community engagement. Sadly, it is sometimes reduced to a battlefield where every disagreement becomes an excuse for hostility and division.
Not every battle should be fought on social media.
The true measure of political awareness is not the ability to insult opponents, but the ability to present ideas, defend opinions respectfully, and engage in constructive dialogue without creating unnecessary enemies. Democracy thrives on differences of opinion. Citizens have every right to support whichever candidate they believe can best represent their interests. Such differences should be respected rather than condemned.
One reality that young supporters often overlook is that politicians themselves frequently maintain cordial relationships despite belonging to different political parties. In many cases, supporters fight more fiercely than the candidates they claim to defend. While followers engage in endless arguments online, political actors often continue to relate with mutual respect behind the scenes. This reality should serve as an important lesson to all of us.
Neither Hon. Zaraddeen Babangida Wassa Kudodo nor Dr. Idris Ibrahim Kuta would benefit from seeing their supporters become permanent enemies because of political preferences. On the contrary, both men deserve supporters who reflect maturity, wisdom, discipline, tolerance, and responsible citizenship.
The future of Shiroro will not be secured through social media wars. It will be secured through education, unity, perseverance, patience, mutual respect, constructive engagement, and a collective commitment to community development.
As young people, we must be careful not to sacrifice lifelong relationships on the altar of temporary political interests. Elections come and go. Political positions change hands. Circumstances evolve. But the consequences of hatred and division can linger for generations.
Rather than using social media to deepen divisions, let us use it to promote understanding, encourage meaningful conversations, and advance ideas capable of moving Shiroro forward. Let us disagree without becoming enemies. Let us debate without insulting one another. Let us support candidates without destroying relationships.
Politics should never become a source of weakness for our communities. Instead, it should serve as a platform through which we collectively strengthen our society and contribute to its progress. The legacy of Shiroro’s youths should not be measured by how aggressively we fought each other online, but by how effectively we worked together to build a brighter future for our people.
Years from now, the true measure of our generation will not be the political camps we belonged to, but the legacy we leave behind. Let us therefore choose wisdom over insults, dialogue over hostility, and unity over division.
Elections will come and go. Candidates will emerge, and political offices will change hands. But Shiroro will remain our common home. The responsibility of protecting that home through mutual respect, tolerance, and constructive engagement belongs to every one of us.
Abdullahi el-Kurebe is a Librarian and Information Scientist from Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria. He writes on public affairs, youth development, leadership, community relations, and social responsibility. His commentaries promote constructive dialogue, peacebuilding, and responsible citizenship. He can be reached at sadeequllah19@gmail.com.
