Concern has been raised over the reported use of primary schoolchildren to display political campaign materials allegedly associated with Hon. Ojotu Ojema, the member representing the Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, and Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia.
Images circulating in the public space appear to show school-aged children carrying or displaying political materials. However, the circumstances surrounding the images, including who organised the activity and when and where it occurred, have not been independently established. The development has nevertheless triggered questions about the appropriate role of children in political activities, particularly when such activities involve school-aged minors.
Child-protection principles emphasise safeguarding children from exploitation and activities that could interfere with their education or welfare. Article 32 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, for example, calls for protection against exploitation and work that interferes with a child’s education or development. Nigeria’s electoral framework also gives the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) responsibility for monitoring political campaigns and providing rules governing political parties.
With the 2027 general elections approaching — INEC’s official timetable lists the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027 — critics argue that schools should remain environments primarily dedicated to learning and that children should not be placed in the middle of partisan political activities. They maintain that political mobilisation should be directed at eligible voters who can independently understand and make political choices.
The issue raises an important question for political leaders, educators, parents and community stakeholders in Apa, Agatu and across Benue: Should children be used to project political support when they are not yet old enough to vote or make independent electoral decisions? Whatever political party or candidate is involved, child protection should remain a shared responsibility. Political competition should not come at the expense of children’s education, dignity or welfare.
