Every politician climbing to power needs a ladder. In Ebonyi, one young man reportedly agreed to be that ladder.
He was not on the ballot. He had no manifesto. He had no security detail. His only job, according to reports, was to stand in front, shout the loudest and fight other people’s battles.
On that day, during the NDC rally, the battle turned real. There was reportedly an exchange of gunfire with security operatives and He was hit in the spine.
Suddenly, the man who used to be ‘our strong boy’ became a problem to be avoided. He reportedly needed $50,000 to be flown abroad for treatment. The same phones that used to call him every morning for ‘one operation’ suddenly stopped ringing. The same men he allegedly risked his life for were nowhere to be found.
He reportedly died in a hospital in Abakaliki. Others injured in the incident are said to still be receiving treatment.
That is how the game works;
When you are useful, you are called ‘loyal.’
When you are injured, you are called ‘somebody’s son.’
When you are dead, you are called ‘a statistic.’
No politician will carry your coffin the way your mother will.
No party will pay your hospital bill the way your family will beg for it.
Your life is not a campaign tool. Your spine is not a stepping stone. Your blood is not a ballot paper.
Please, say NO to thuggery.
Say NO to election violence.
Say NO to being someone’s ladder.
Because once they climb up, they don’t look down to thank the ladder. Instead, they throw it away. Your life is worth more than any politician’s ambition.
Omokhudu O. Odion
Thursday 12th November, 2026
