Development economist Herbert Daniel urges Nigerian voters to break cycle of poverty and election manipulation
Development economist and author Herbert Daniel has called on Nigerian citizens to become more politically conscious ahead of the 2027 general elections, expressing concern over the persistent use of poverty as a political tool. Speaking in Jos following the release of his book, "We Need You Poor So That We Can Rule: The Voice of the Political Manipulator," Daniel explained that the book explores how economic vulnerability is exploited through gifts, promises, ethnicity, religion, and misinformation to gain and retain political power. He challenges citizens to recognize their power through education, informed choices, voting, and active participation in governance. Daniel stated that the book, which took him nearly 10 years to complete, aims to provoke thought on how poverty, ignorance, and political manipulation perpetuate poor leadership and underdevelopment. He hopes readers will question what they are told, look beyond superficial incentives, and consider leadership that genuinely improves lives. Daniel emphasized that poverty extends beyond a lack of money to include a lack of education, opportunity, information, dignity, and the power to make meaningful choices. He hopes the book will initiate a national conversation about the choices Nigerians will make in the 2027 elections, urging them to vote based on what candidates have done and can offer, rather than ethnicity, religion, or empty promises. He clarified that the book is not merely an accusation against the wealthy
