Nigeria, Sept. 28 -- If politics was once about rallies in stadiums and motorcades through dusty towns, today it often begins with a notification on your phone. A Space goes live on X (formerly Twitter), hosted by a familiar influencer, joined by hundreds or thousands of listeners. The topic might read, "Is Nigeria ready for real change in 2027?" or "Why our future depends on XYZ candidate."

The hosts are not neutral. They are part of a growing class of political influencers who shape conversations, frame debates, and tilt perceptions - often while sitting on the payroll of politicians. In these Spaces, the real candidates are absent. Instead, hired voices speak for them, defending, attacking, or simply keeping their names trending.

Thi...