2027: Nigerian Children Must Not Be Used as Political Rally Crowds

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, political parties should keep school-age children out of campaign rallies and other partisan activities. Children who are below voting age should not be recruited, transported or paid to inflate crowd sizes. Many children vulnerable to this practice are out of school, living in poverty, orphaned, on the streets or dependent on informal work and alms. For them, a rally may offer food, transport or small cash, making them easy targets for exploitation. Political gatherings can expose children to traffic, stampedes, violence, substance abuse and manipulation. Nigeria already has millions of out-of-school children, and the priority should be education, safety and genuine civic learning. Children can learn about democracy through classrooms, reading, critical thinking and knowledge of their rights. Politicians should campaign for children’s future by supporting education and protection, not by using their vulnerability to fill rally grounds.

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