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<p>By Zubair A. Zubair</p><div class="ZS8dxMPx" style="clear:both;float:left;width:100%;margin:0 0 20px 0;"><script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>

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<p>The rise of Ugandan-born American politician Zohran Mamdani marks a new dawn for young people and the working class worldwide. His historic victory as Mayor of New York City, one of the richest cities in the world with a GDP of $1.3 trillion and home to more billionaires than any other, has proven that integrity, courage, and vision can triumph over prejudice, wealth, and propaganda.</p>
<p>Mamdani, a proud member of the Democratic Party and the Democratic Socialists of America, has served as a representative of New York’s 36th District (Astoria, Queens) since 2021. Despite facing intense opposition from billionaires, far-right groups, and the storm of Islamophobia and racism, he emerged victorious. They called him names, labeled him a “terrorist,” and even linked him to 9/11 in a desperate bid to destroy his reputation. But truth prevailed.</p>
<p>Mamdani’s win wasn’t about religion, race, or origin. It was about solutions. The son of an Indian film producer and a Ugandan professor, Mamdani connected deeply with the struggles of ordinary New Yorkers. He campaigned tirelessly, offered practical answers to real problems, and showed the people that leadership is about service not privilege. His victory was a victory for integrity, competence, and courage.</p>
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<p>This inspired me to reflect on my own country, Nigeria. If New Yorkers could look beyond race, faith, and origin to elect the right person, why can’t we? We, too, can build a nation where merit matters more than tribe or religion. Our divisions; ethnic, religious, and political have long held us back. Yet, as Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”</p>
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<p>Nigeria needs love, unity, and a new generation of leaders; young, visionary, and patriotic. We must remove the barriers of hate and division that the political elite use to manipulate us. As Mark Twain wisely said, “Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.” And as Charles de Gaulle noted, “Patriotism is when love of your own people comes first; nationalism, when hate for people other than your own comes first.”</p>
<p>I dream of a Nigeria where an Igbo man can become governor in Kano, a Yoruba woman in Sokoto, or a Hausa/Fulani leader in Lagos and no one questions their right to serve. That would be the true mark of progress and national unity.</p>
<p>My mentor, Dr. Nelson Aluya, a Nigerian-American physician and advocate for youth leadership, always emphasizes the importance of young people taking part in politics. Mamdani’s success proves that change is possible, that young people can rise to power and lead with integrity.</p>
<p>As Abraham Lincoln said, “The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” It’s time for the youth to realize that power belongs to the people. We must organize, participate, and believe in our ability to lead. You don’t need billions to win, you need a clear vision, an understanding of your people’s problems, and the courage to provide solutions.</p>
<p>If Mamdani can do it, you and I can too. It’s time for young Africans to take charge of our destiny, reclaim our politics from the elite, and build nations that work for everyone.</p>
<p>Zubair A. Zubair writes from Kano, Nigeria.<br />
He can be reached at Zubairkano118@gmail.com</p>
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