Poverty-driven politics: Delegates hail Akpabio's daughter as 'National mama'

A disturbing video circulating online has ignited widespread condemnation, capturing delegates chanting praise songs for Iniabasi Akpabio, the 28-year-old daughter of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The footage, which shows older men repeatedly chanting “National mama, one kposa for mama” and “Na our mama be this” as Ms. Akpabio distributed campaign materials, is being decried as a stark illustration of Nigeria's poverty-driven political culture.

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National mama, one kposa for mama.

Critics, including legal practitioners and social commentators, have labeled the scene as evidence of “slavery in the name of politics.” They question the appropriateness of such adulation directed at a young political figure, especially by visibly older men, suggesting it reflects deeper governance issues and a loss of dignity among the populace. This phenomenon is particularly concerning given the economic struggles faced by many Nigerians, where poverty and unemployment can unfortunately be exploited as tools to manipulate civic behavior.

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Na our mama be this

This incident, occurring during the Renewed Hope National Youth Tour in Edo State, is not an isolated one. The chant “Na our mama be this” gained traction earlier in 2025 during public engagements involving Nigeria’s First Lady. However, its application here to a political figure's daughter underscores a troubling trend of excessive political praise. From our perspective in Nigeria, this spectacle is a painful reminder of how economic hardship can erode critical thinking and foster a culture of dependency, where individuals feel compelled to offer sycophantic praise to political patrons, rather than engaging in genuine civic discourse. It is a cycle that perpetuates patronage and hinders genuine progress.

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If you are still in doubt that many Nigerians have embraced slavery in the name of politics, this video should offer you clarity.