I’m coming to serve, not fund weddings, naming ceremonies – Khalid Barau
A Peoples Democratic Party aspirant for the Ningi/Warji Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, Khalid Barau, has said his priority, if elected, would be quality representation and governance rather than distributing money for weddings and naming ceremonies.
Barau made this known during a discussion programme on S24 Television, a clip of which was shared on his Facebook page on Tuesday.
The PDP aspirant argued that the growing expectation for lawmakers to provide financial assistance for social ceremonies distracts elected officials from their constitutional responsibilities.
According to him, lawmakers should be assessed based on their ability to deliver development, sponsor beneficial legislation, and improve the welfare of constituents through governance.
“You elected me to provide laws that will strengthen governance for you, not to focus on giving support for marriages or naming ceremonies,” he said.
He added, “When I go to the National Assembly, I don’t expect my constituents to tell me about ceremonies. I expect them to tell me there is no light, no water, no roads, no primary healthcare centres and no schools. That is my expectation.”
Barau noted that politicians had over the years “weaponised poverty” by encouraging dependency through handouts, stressing that he would continue advocating a change in public perception about leadership and representation.
“I will keep trying to change the narrative and the way people think about politics. I will never get tired of it,” he said.
Speaking on youthwomen’swomen inclusion in governance, the aspirant maintained that Nigerian politics still largely uses young people and women for mobilisation during campaigns rather than giving them meaningful opportunities to lead.
“They use them for campaign mobilisation,” he said, while insisting that younger generations, if given the chance, could provide some of the country’s best leadership.
“I believe my generation, if given the opportunity, will be one of the best generations. We have capable young people who are ambitious, but ambition is different from vision,” he stated.
Barau, however, observed that many young leaders become absorbed into the political culture once they enter the system, stressing the need to deliberately create opportunities for emerging leaders.
He cited examples of young northern politicians he described as outstanding performers, particularly lawmakers supporting education and human capital development.
On education, Barau disclosed that he currently supports students studying in public institutions and would sustain such interventions if elected.
“As it is now, I provide scholarships and educational support, but for people studying in public institutions within Nigeria. If you are in a private institution, I don’t give that support,” he explained.
The aspirant also called on the media to spotlight high-performing young politicians across the country to inspire reforms and encourage accountability.
“The media can help make society peaceful and united by showcasing young leaders who are performing. They should become the face of good politics and the kind of reformation the North needs,” he added.