From Ekiti to Abuja: The Stomach Infrastructure Revolution

By Ibrahim Nasiru

“A nation that trades its tomorrow for a hot meal today will always wake up hungry.”

The political history of Nigeria is a mixed grill of pan-Nigerianism, ethnocracy, and intense religiosity. But beneath all the grand ideologies, a more immediate, stomach-driven reality has taken over our democratic space.

Electorates now believe far more in immediate “stomach infrastructure” than long

term infrastructural development. Nigerian politicians have cashed in on this vulnerability, capitalizing on a deeply pauperized citizenry to buy their way into public office.

This is not entirely new, but it has evolved dangerously. Chief Lamidi Adedibu of blessed memory was legendary for his “Amala politics” in Oyo State, establishing himself as the absolute strong man and godfather of Ibadan politics to the point where nothing moved without his signature.

In the North, Dr. Olusola Saraki, the Waziri of Ilorin popularly known as “Oloye,” ran a similar welfare-based political empire. Then came Ayodele Fayose in Ekiti State, who formally mainstreamed and championed the “stomach infrastructure” philosophy.

Today, this philosophy has gained enormous acceptance across the entire political landscape. Politicians have merely adapted it to modern times. What started as Amala and direct cash has now transitioned into the sharing of customized bags of rice, spaghetti, and cooking oil just days before elections.

From the North to the South, and the East to the West, it is the exact same trending philosophy. If you want to gain sympathy and quick acceptance as a politician seeking public office in Nigeria today, the formula is simple: just feed the vulnerable population. Because the masses have been systematically impoverished, you can easily secure their votes with a temporary meal.

The terrifying reality of this trend is clear: we are doomed to keep electing bad leaders because of a temporary bag of rice and a packet of spaghetti.

Selling our future for a single meal guarantees another four years of decay. It is high time the Nigerian electorates wake up from their slumber. We must begin to elect people who are upright, credible, and capable of delivering the true dividends of democracy in its real sense.

A bag of rice cannot build hospitals, secure roads, or fix our economy. Nigeria indeed must survive, but survival starts when we refuse to let our stomachs dictate our ballot.

Chief Ibrahim Nasiru 

A Public Affairs Analyst writes from Abuja