Nigerian politician Alex Ikwechegh has ignited widespread outrage after being filmed slapping and verbally abusing a taxi driver who was delivering food to his residence. The incident, filmed and shared online, has gone viral, exposing the troubling behavior often exhibited by those in positions of power.
During the altercation, which unfolded when the driver requested Ikwechegh to come outside to collect the food instead of bringing it inside, the politician defiantly stated, “Do you know who I am?... I can make you disappear in this whole country, and nothing will happen.” Such threats disturbed many who viewed the video, which showcased not only Ikwechegh’s aggressive demeanor but also his blatant misuse of authority.
Ikwechegh is affiliated with the opposition All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and currently serves as a member of the House of Representatives for the southeastern town of Aba. Following the backlash from the public, he was forced to issue a formal apology, which starkly contrasted with his intimidating tone during the incident.
This behavior isn’t entirely surprising, as it reflects the often accepted dynamic between Nigerian politicians—often referred to as “big men”—and ordinary citizens. The phrase “Do you know who I am?” is all too familiar among those who misuse their power, reinforcing the notion of their untouchable status.
Many Nigerian politicians commonly travel with large convoys, complete with police escorts and sirens, giving them preferential treatment on the roads and exposing the aggressive enforcement behaviors of their security details against those who slow them down.
Ikwechegh’s incident serves as particularly disappointing when considered within the broader narrative of generational change within Nigerian politics. At 42 years old, Ikwechegh is part of the younger generation, one many had hoped might represent progressive ideals and break away from ingrained patterns of intimidation.
The “Not Too Young to Run” movement emerged several years ago to empower younger Nigerians to enter politics. With over 70% of Nigeria's population being under the age of 35, the campaign aimed to reduce age limits for various political offices, allowing fresh perspectives to permeate the political sphere. By 2018, the minimum age for contesting elections was lowered, and the share of young candidates surged from 6% to 27% within just one year.
The changes included lowering the age for the House of Representatives from 30 to 25 and for the Senate and gubernatorial positions from 35 to 30. Given Nigeria’s median age is only 18, there were high hopes pinned on these younger leaders to upend traditional streams of power and provide innovative solutions to longstanding issues.
Unfortunately, Ikwechegh’s actions are reminiscent of older political misbehaviors, raising alarms about whether these younger public leaders are simply rehearsing the same oppressive tactics previously seen among their predecessors.
The case parallels the controversial history of other younger politicians, including Elisha Abbo, who was filmed two years ago slapping a shop assistant and orchestrated threats against her over perceived insults. This incident, captured on CCTV, led to public outrage and eventual apologies from the senator, though he later lost his position after failing to win re-election.
Such incidents leave many Nigerian citizens questioning whether the trend of abusive power is ingrained within the broader political culture, regardless of the ages of the perpetrators. It invokes memories of schoolyard dynamics, where seniors often bullied junior peers. Back then, youthful ambitions were often filled with dreams of wielding authority and delivering justice; yet when equipped with power, those ambitions can devolve, mirroring the arrogance and entitlement experienced by the older generation.
Ikwechegh’s recent misbehaviors drew enough ire to prompt Nigeria’s House of Representatives to refer him to its Ethics and Privileges Committee for allegedly bringing the house to disrepute. He has also faced court charges for “threats, assaults, and abuse of public office,” demonstrating the legal ramifications of his actions. Nevertheless, the roots of entitlement and impunity run deep within Nigeria’s political fabric, showing generational change alone is insufficient to stem this tide.
