“Dem No Dey Hear Us Again”: Why Young Nigerians Are Losing Faith in Old Politicians | Nigeria News and Gossip

 

“Hope Don Taya” — A Generation Speaks 🗣️🇳🇬

If you’ve spent even five minutes on Nigerian Twitter (X), TikTok, or WhatsApp groups recently, you’ll notice one loud, consistent feeling: young Nigerians are tired. Tired of promises. Tired of the same faces. Tired of recycled speeches that never translate into real change. This frustration is the core reason why young Nigerians are losing faith in old politicians, and it’s a topic dominating conversations under Nigeria News and Gossip across blogs, campuses, music lyrics, and everyday street gist.

This is not just political talk — it’s emotional, cultural, and deeply personal. From unemployed graduates to tech founders relocating abroad, many youths believe the political system no longer reflects their reality.

In this deep-dive analysis, we’re not here to insult or hype anyone. We’re here to explain, analyze, and connect the dots — using real experiences, online reactions, historical context, and cultural insights.

And yes, this conversation also intersects with broader national issues. For context, see:

• 👉 Nigeria News and Gossip: The Untold Stories Shaping 2025
  https://www.naijascene.com/2025/09/nigeria-news-and-gossip-untold-stories.html

• 👉 Nigerian news and gossip (latest updates)
  https://www.naijascene.com/2025/08/nigerian-news-and-gossip-latest-updates.html

Now let’s talk truth — no filter, no propaganda.

Who Are “Old Politicians” — And Why the Term Matters

Before we go further, let’s clarify something important.

When young Nigerians say “old politicians,” they’re not just talking about age. They’re talking about:

• Long-time political elites

• Career politicians recycling power

• Leaders disconnected from modern Nigerian realities

• Figures who’ve been in government since military or early civilian eras

Some of these politicians are in their 70s and 80s. Others are younger but operate with the same outdated mindset.

So when youths ask why young Nigerians are losing faith in old politicians, it’s more about systems and attitudes than wrinkles.

1. Broken Promises Don Plenty Pass Manifesto 📜💔

Let’s start with the most obvious reason.

Young Nigerians have grown up hearing:

• “Jobs will be created”

• “Power supply will improve”

• “Education will be reformed”

• “Corruption will be tackled”

But lived reality says otherwise.

What the Youth See Instead:

• Rising unemployment

• Erratic electricity

• Expensive education

• Inflation choking daily life

A 26-year-old graduate once told me during a Lagos bus ride:

“My papa hear the same promise in 1999. I still dey hear am now. Wetin change?”

That question alone explains a lot.

2. Economic Hardship Hits Youths Hardest 💸

Let’s be honest — economic pain no dey equal.

Young Nigerians feel it more because:

• They are entering the job market

• They have fewer assets

• They rely heavily on stable systems

Daily Youth Struggles:

• NYSC allowance barely surviving inflation

• Rent and transport swallowing salaries

• Small businesses crushed by unstable policies

When politicians talk economics in abstract grammar, youths are calculating transport fare and data subscription.

This disconnect fuels the belief that leaders don’t understand modern Nigerian survival.

3. Social Media Has Exposed Too Much 📱👀

Back in the day, politicians controlled narratives through newspapers and NTA.

Today?

• Twitter (X) threads

• TikTok exposés

• Instagram receipts

• WhatsApp leaks

Young Nigerians now:

• Compare speeches vs actions

• Track budgets and contracts

• Screenshot contradictions

One viral tweet summed it up:

“The internet didn’t make politicians bad. It just removed the curtain.”

Transparency has reduced blind loyalty.

4. EndSARS Changed Everything Forever ✊🏾

Any serious conversation about why young Nigerians are losing faith in old politicians must mention EndSARS.

For many youths, EndSARS was:

• Their first political awakening

• A test of leadership empathy

• A moment that broke trust permanently

What Youths Expected:

• Accountability

• Dialogue

• Reform

What Many Felt They Got:

• Silence

• Denial

• Repression

Whether you agree or not, the emotional scar remains.

A lot of youths concluded:

“If they can’t listen when we’re peaceful, when will they ever listen?”

5. Old Politics vs New Nigerian Reality 🕰️⚡

Nigeria in 2025 is not Nigeria in 1985.

Today’s youth culture includes:

• Remote work

• Crypto and fintech

• Digital skills

• Global exposure

But many politicians still:

• Fear technology

• Misunderstand digital economy

• Regulate innovation without understanding it

This gap creates frustration.

Young Nigerians want leaders who:

• Understand tech

• Respect creativity

• Support innovation, not suppress it

6. Recycling Power: Same Faces, Different Party 🎭

One major complaint under Nigeria News and Gossip discussions is political recycling.

Same politicians:

• Switching parties

• Returning to power

• Failing upward

To young people, it feels like:

“No vacancy for new ideas.”

When leadership looks like a closed club, faith disappears.

7. Nepotism and Godfatherism Still Strong 🤝🏾

Merit vs connection — this is a painful topic.

Many youths believe:

• Talent no dey enough

• You need “who you know”

• Hard work isn’t rewarded equally

Seeing political appointments go to:

• Family members

• Loyalists

• Old associates

…makes young Nigerians feel excluded from national progress.

8. Language Barrier: Grammar vs Reality 🗣️🚧

Another underrated issue is communication style.

Many old politicians speak:

• Long grammar

• Policy jargon

• Empty slogans

But youths prefer:

• Clear language

• Direct answers

• Relatable messaging

That’s why young Nigerians connect more with:

• Musicians

• Content creators

• Activists

They speak the language of now.

9. Education System Has Failed Youth Trust 🎓

Let’s talk education.

Young Nigerians were told:

“Go to school, study hard, your future is secure.”

Reality?

• Graduates driving keke

• Degrees losing value

• ASUU strikes disrupting dreams

Many blame political leadership for:

• Underfunded education

• Policy inconsistency

• Lack of reform

Once education fails, trust collapses fast.

10. Migration Syndrome: ‘Japa’ Mentality ✈️

The rise of “Japa” culture is both a symptom and a statement.

When youths:

• Learn skills to leave

• Save money to escape

• Advise others to relocate

…it shows declining belief in national leadership.

As one viral TikTok said:

“I love Nigeria, but Nigeria no love me back.”

That emotional disconnect didn’t start overnight.

Case Study: What I Observed as a Journalist 🧠

Covering youth events, tech hubs, and campus programs, I’ve noticed something striking:

Young Nigerians:

• No longer argue politics passionately

• Joke about elections

• Show emotional withdrawal

That’s dangerous.

When citizens move from anger to apathy, democracy weakens.

Is This About Age — Or Accountability? 🤔

Important clarification:
Young Nigerians are not against older people.

They are against:

• Entitlement

• Lack of accountability

• Tone-deaf leadership

If an older politician:

• Listens

• Delivers

• Adapts

Youths will support them.

Trust is earned, not inherited.

What Young Nigerians Actually Want (Simple List)

Not miracles. Just basics:

• Honest leadership

• Economic opportunities

• Respect for human rights

• Inclusion in decision-making

• Transparent governance

Is that too much?

Signs of Hope: Is Faith Completely Gone? 🌱

Despite everything, hope still dey small.

Some youths are:

• Running for office

• Building civic platforms

• Educating peers politically

Change may be slow, but awareness has increased.

Why This Matters for Nigeria’s Future 🇳🇬

Over 60% of Nigeria’s population is under 30.

If this generation:

• Loses faith

• Withdraws participation

• Embraces cynicism

The country’s future suffers.

That’s why conversations like this matter under Nigeria News and Gossip — not for gossip alone, but for reflection.

Final Thoughts: Listen Before It’s Too Late 🎧

Young Nigerians are not asking for perfection.

They’re asking to be:

• Heard

• Understood

• Respected

Ignoring them won’t make the frustration disappear. It will only redirect it.

Wetin you think about this matter? Do you agree or disagree? Drop your thoughts for comment section!

#NigeriaYouth, #NaijaPolitics, #NigeriaNewsAndGossip, #YouthVoices