In a recent interview with Daily Independent on Thursday, March 12, 2026, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu, former governor of Niger State, has stated that many Nigerians have become discouraged from participating in elections because they see signs of corruption and poor governance around them.
He explained that ordinary citizens often watch public officials who suddenly become wealthy after entering politics, according to him, many Nigerians notice how individuals who once lived modest lives begin to display expensive lifestyles shortly after assuming public office, this sudden change, he says, sends troubling signals to the public.
Aliyu noted that when people believe their resources are being mismanaged, it weakens their trust in government and politics, many citizens, he says, feel that those entrusted with public funds sometimes use those resources for personal comfort rather than for the development of society.
He added that the situation becomes even more frustrating for the average Nigerian who continues to struggle with basic needs, in many communities, people are still searching for stable electricity, functional schools, and access to clean water, when these essential services remain unavailable despite repeated political promises, citizens begin to question the value of participating in elections.
”People see those who steal their money live in affluence, the masses see somebody who had no bicycle suddenly drives Land Rover jeep in politics and that also sends signals to the common people who are just looking for electricity, looking for good schools and there are no good schools, no electricity, no water, and they will therefore say, why waste our time to go and vote,” he said.