The Disturbing Reality of Politics in Nigeria

This article explores the author’s journey from passionate political support to disillusionment. It highlights how political leaders shift focus to personal gain post-election, neglecting their supporters. The author identifies motivations behind political engagement as wealth, power, popularity, and prestige, advocating for citizens to prioritize principles over personalities to foster genuine political change.

The author’s profound engagement with politics once defined their life, as they actively supported politicians at rallies and beyond. This fervent loyalty fueled conflicts with friends and family who held differing political views. Viewing politics as a noble pursuit of ideas, the author passionately defended their chosen candidates, believing in their vision for the country.

However, a significant shift in perspective occurred when the author recognized a troubling pattern among the politicians they championed. Once elected, these leaders transformed, prioritizing their families and wealth, encapsulated by titles such as “Her Excellency” and surrounded by luxury and privilege. The distance between these politicians and their supporters grew, rendering genuine access nearly impossible.

After deep contemplation, the author identified four driving motivations behind political engagement in Nigeria: the pursuit of wealth through politics, the desire for power and influence, the quest for fame, and the aspiration for societal prestige. This realization shed light on the stark reality that many politicians are predominantly self-serving, neglecting the very constituents they promised to serve.

Reflecting on their previous loyalty, the author recounted being forgotten by those whom they once fervently supported. This led to the decision to detach emotionally from politics, adopting a more critical and observant approach to voting. Key inquiries regarding candidates’ community contributions and past treatment of citizens became essential when evaluating political figures.

Observations revealed a widespread trait among African politicians—intense selfishness, viewing politics as a lucrative business venture rather than a service commitment. Consequently, true supporters—the steadfast advocates and grassroots activists—often find themselves neglected post-election.

The author posits that Nigerian politics resembles a familial enterprise, emphasizing the importance of followers recognizing this reality to break the cycle of disillusionment. Advocating for a shift in perspective, the author urges individuals to prioritize values over personalities, endorsing ideas rather than individuals. Ultimately, the call to action is for Nigerians to empower themselves with knowledge, fostering a culture that values principle over propaganda, and urging politicians to genuinely serve the populace.

The author concludes with a heartfelt wish for a better Nigeria while advocating for increased awareness among followers, reminding them of their inherent worth and the necessity of rejecting being utilized as tools for political gain.

The article reflects a disillusionment with politicians who forget their supporters after gaining power. The author identifies the primary motives for political engagement in Nigeria as wealth, power, popularity, and prestige, underscoring that many politicians prioritize personal gain over public service. A call to action emphasizes the need for citizens to support policies rather than personalities, advocating for greater awareness among followers to prevent exploitation in the political landscape. Hence, a wiser populace is vital for national improvement.

Original Source: guardian.ng