An NDP candidate in Toronto is going viral for a bold and unconventional TikTok video that’s catching the attention of young voters.
On Sunday, Don Valley North candidate Naila Saeed posted a campaign video on TikTok, a week before voters head to the polls.
In the video, Saeed reaches out to the youth by speaking in Toronto slang. She starts off with saying, “Yo, wagwan, my Toronto yutes,” and continues the video with other phrases known to the 6ix.
“Listen, bare man’s out here saying, ‘the system’s broken,’ but real talk, if you’re not voting, you’re not fixing nuttin’ fam,” she continued to say.
@saeed_naila This video’s for the Toronto youth — if that ain’t you, keep it pushin! . #canpoli #toronto #fyp #torontotiktok ♬ God's Plan – Drake
Saeed, who describes herself first as an educator and entrepreneur rather than a politician, says the video was a creative response to a growing concern: “Where is our youth?”
“We are the ones who are fighting for our future, for our next generation, for affordability, to make sure our lives are easier for our next generation. But where is our next generation? Why are they not participating? Why are they not making sure their voices are being heard, and that is the reason why I thought of how I can connect with them,” Saeed told Now Toronto on Monday.
The inspiration for her video came from youth volunteers on her campaign team, who suggested she deliver a video message using slang and phrasing familiar to Gen Z viewers.
The idea initially felt foreign to Saeed.
“I had never heard these terms and words before,” she admitted, but still, she was determined to break the barrier.
“It took me two to three times to really take it out the way they [youth volunteers] really wanted to, and I tried my best for the only purpose for the youth to listen and to feel that this is very, very important. We want our youth to get engaged here, and utilize their power,” Saeed explained.
The final video — lighthearted in tone but serious in message — encourages youth to vote and be smart about their decision, and reminds them that politics affects everything from housing to climate change.
The video has garnered mixed reactions, with some users not impressed with the video, while others praised her for her efforts.
“This is cute – she’s trying to connect with young voters! She CARES! We need that!” a user on TikTok commented.
“I love this!! Keep relating to the target audience! I am here for it,” another user said.
“This is funny and good. I laughed a lot,” a user posted.
“Y’all haters, she’s reaching people that may not be you but your friend is gonna get reached!! Big up yourself with marketing,” another user chimed in.
Saeed isn’t the first candidate to appeal to younger voters with social media. NDP Party Leader Jagmeet Singh has also been turning to TikTok and posting ‘Get Ready with Me’ videos to connect with Gen Z Canadians.
Read More
Despite some backlash on the viral TikTok video, Saeed says the experience has only strengthened her resolve and passion for the campaign, not just as a candidate, but as a community advocate.
“We have to stay strong for the right things that we are standing for, for the people we are representing, for the voices that we want to be heard,” she continued to say.
Looking ahead, Saeed plans to build a network of youth-led groups across Don Valley North that will bring young people together to share their priorities and shape local policy, including employment and housing issues.
“For me, I want to work for the community. I really want to make sure that I’m able to connect with the youth on the ground and understand the core issues that are close to them,” Saeed said.
