By NAMU SANUSI
Politics in Nigeria carries both advantages and drawbacks. One positive is the enthronement of democracy in place of military rule, which remains an aberration. Democracy has created opportunities for citizens, allowing some unemployed individuals to occupy positions of trust mandated by the electorate.
However, when these mandates are abused by politicians to amass personal wealth, it contravenes the constitution. Extended families and relatives should not exert undue pressure on officeholders, as this may push them into corruption. Rather, leaders should be allowed to render services for the collective benefit of society, thereby promoting development.
Politics should not be tainted by bitterness, hatred or malice. It is not a do-or-die struggle but a game of tolerance, requiring give-and-take for peace and national stability. Therefore, politicians must move away from past acrimonious behaviours that undermined the first, second and third republics. Nigeria’s diverse political opinions should be harnessed to evolve a permanent democracy capable of withstanding the test of time, akin to advanced countries.
It is painful to witness the ugly past resurging in the Fourth Republic, with some politicians engaging youths as thugs to attack opponents, even within the same party. Such incidents have escalated to political assassinations in recent years. Those responsible will ultimately account for their actions before God.
Acts of violence over political power have left women widowed and children orphaned. Is this what democracy should entail? Nigerian politicians must reflect on whether they are conducting themselves according to the rules of the game.
Those in power must avoid abusing incumbency to oppress opponents, as reported in some states. If this continues, poor leadership will persist unchallenged.
The press also has a critical role to play. Journalists should exercise caution and restraint, reporting responsibly to avoid inflaming tensions that could lead to violence. Simultaneously, governments must guarantee press freedom to ensure objectivity, not sycophancy, even in the face of leadership failures.
Elections succeed through meticulous planning. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must work diligently to prevent rigging. Defeated politicians should accept outcomes in good faith, while winners should extend friendship to losers as a sign of maturity. Without such gestures, enmity may flourish, potentially triggering violence.
Dissatisfied politicians must seek legal redress through the courts. The judiciary should operate independently, dispensing justice without fear or favour and strictly upholding the constitution. Denial of justice often escalates political disputes into violence, a threat to Nigeria’s young democracy.
Politicians should engage opponents in constructive media debates and communicate promises transparently, rather than relying on deceptive campaign posters. Fulfilling electoral promises, especially in education and development, is crucial to advancing democracy. The nation’s abundant resources must translate into better living standards for all citizens.
Law enforcement, particularly the police, faces challenges in investigating political assassinations, despite claims of adequate training. With the 2027 elections approaching, they must ensure a smooth, violence-free transition to a new civilian administration. Failure risks undermining the Fourth Republic and returning Nigeria to aberrational rule.
All Nigerians share the responsibility to sustain democracy. If the upcoming elections fail, the consequences will be collective. Building an enduring democratic future is a challenge that belongs to every citizen.