My dear fellow brothers and sisters in Nigerian politics – the ones who are out there today, following the big men, carrying files, running errands, showing up at rallies, and learning the ropes from the current leaders – I want to speak to you straight from the heart, like one of you who has seen how this game plays out in our country.
Listen, I’m not here to discourage you from politics. Far from it. Nigeria needs you in the arena. But I’m begging you: stop putting all your eggs in one basket. Focus hard on building your own career and future first, while still staying active in governance and politics. Do both. Not one or the other. Here’s why, plain and simple.
Why you must focus on your career and personal future:
You need your own money and respect. Right now, many of you are surviving on stipends, “brown envelopes,” or favours from godfathers. That’s fine for now, but it leaves you vulnerable. When the leader falls out of favour or loses power (and in Nigeria, that happens fast), you’re left with nothing. A solid career – whether it’s in business, law, tech, farming, medicine, education, or whatever your talent is – gives you financial independence. When you speak in a political meeting, people will listen differently if they know you’re not begging for survival. You become a stakeholder, not a follower.
Real credibility comes from achievement, not just loyalty. Nigerians are tired of politicians who have never built anything in their lives. If you’ve run a successful small business, managed a project that created jobs, or excelled in your profession, voters will see you as someone who can actually deliver. Your career becomes your proof of competence. Without it, you’re just another “youth wing” person waiting for crumbs.
Politics in Nigeria is risky and unpredictable. Godfatherism, betrayal, zoning, money politics, EFCC cases – it can end your rise overnight. Having a career is your parachute. It’s your backup plan so you don’t become that sad story of the “former youth leader” hawking goods ten years later. Protect your future self.
You bring better ideas when you’re exposed to the real world. Working outside pure politics teaches you real problems – how markets work, how technology is changing lives, how communities actually survive. That knowledge is gold when you finally step into governance. You won’t be repeating the same empty slogans; you’ll have fresh, practical solutions.
Why you must still dedicate serious time to politics and governance:
Because Nigeria cannot wait for another generation. Our country is bleeding from bad leadership, and the youth (you) are the largest population bloc. If you step back completely, the same old men will keep recycling themselves and their children. Your involvement today – even while building your career – is how we change the culture.
You learn the system from inside. Attend meetings, join local government committees, volunteer on campaigns, push for transparency in your ward. Learn the game so you can later change the rules.
You build your own network of genuine supporters, not just borrowed followers. People who believe in YOU, not in the oga you’re following.
You start solving small problems now – community projects, youth empowerment schemes, local accountability – that prove you care when the time comes for bigger office.
History remembers those who showed up consistently, not those who waited for the “perfect moment.”
The balance is possible. Look at some of the best young leaders we’ve had – the ones who actually made impact. They kept one foot in their profession or business while keeping the other firmly in politics. They didn’t abandon their future for politics; they used their future to strengthen their politics.
So here’s my practical advice:
Set a rule for yourself – 60% energy on your career and personal development every week, 40% on political involvement. Grow your skills, save money, build something tangible. At the same time, show up for politics with purpose, not desperation. Read, learn policy, network with other serious young people across parties. When the opportunity comes – and it will – you won’t enter the ring broke, bitter, or empty-handed. You’ll enter as a leader with something to offer.
Young politicians, you are not “small boys” forever. Don’t let today’s leaders turn you into professional followers. Build your own table while you’re still helping to set theirs. Nigeria’s future is too important to be left to chance – and your own future is too precious to be left to politics alone.
You’ve got the numbers. You’ve got the energy. Now add wisdom and self-investment. That combination? Unstoppable.
I’m rooting for you. Let’s do this the smart way.
Hon. Abiodun Kayode
Founder Mofe-Ogo Global Ventures
Deputy Coordinator APC Youth League Ogun Coordinate
Director Of Contact and Molibization Yayi Youth Vanguard
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