Politics should never be treated as a war of survival. At its best, politics is simply about stewardship—taking responsibility for the well-being of others for a time, and then handing it over to the next person. Political positions are not permanent; they come and go. Leaders who understand this truth are more likely to serve with humility, patience, and a long-term vision, rather than being consumed by rivalry and desperation.
When politicians recognize that power is fleeting, they begin to put the nation’s future above their own ambitions. They learn the value of dialogue over hostility, compromise over conflict, and nation-building over narrow interests.
Moving beyond bitterness to development
Nigeria’s politics has too often been marred by personal grudges, bitterness, and divisive partisanship. What we truly need is a politics of ideas—where leaders compete on who can best improve education, grow the economy, secure our communities, and provide opportunities for all.
Take a look at some of the areas crying out for genuine commitment:
Education: We must invest in teachers, schools, and curricula that prepare young Nigerians for today’s world. Better education means less unemployment and more innovation.
Security: Our security forces need reform, professionalism, and better coordination. But beyond that, we must tackle the root causes of insecurity—poverty, joblessness, and exclusion. Community policing and intelligence-led strategies can make a real difference.
Agriculture: Smallholder farmers—the backbone of our food system—need credit, good seeds, storage, and fair markets. Supporting them will not only boost food security but also create millions of rural jobs.
Health: From stronger primary health care to maternal services and infrastructure, investment in health is an investment in productivity and resilience. A healthy people are a wealthy people.
Infrastructure: Roads, power, ports, and rail are the lifelines of any economy. Reliable infrastructure lowers business costs, connects markets, and attracts investment.
If our leaders focus on evidence-based policies and measurable results in these areas, Nigerians will begin to see politics as a tool for real development—not just talk.
Criticism should build, not destroy
Democracy thrives on feedback. Citizens, the media, civil society, and opposition parties must not just criticize for criticism’s sake; their role is to offer fact-based, constructive input. Governments too should create channels to listen—through audits, consultations, and transparent performance reviews.
When evaluation is done without bias or political color, good ideas can flourish no matter where they come from. That is how progress is made.
Nigeria first
We all—leaders and citizens alike—must adopt a mindset of putting Nigeria first. This means making choices that bring shared prosperity, foster unity, and ensure sustainability. Many countries have thrived because they built national consensus on key sectors, regardless of who was in power. Nigeria can do the same if we learn to think beyond tribal, religious, or political lines.
Three values must stand at the heart of leadership in Nigeria:
Unity: Respecting diversity and ensuring fair representation keeps the country stable and peaceful.
Accountability: Leaders must answer for their actions through clear rules, independent oversight, and anti-corruption measures that actually work.
Transparency: Open budgets, honest procurement processes, and freedom of information give citizens the trust they deserve.
Power and humility
Power is not absolute—it is given and it can be taken away. Leaders who understand this truth tend to rule with humility and restraint. Whether guided by faith or simple morality, leaders who see themselves as servants, not masters, are the ones who leave lasting legacies.
If Nigerian politicians can embrace reason, integrity, and service—if they can prioritize education, security, health, agriculture, and infrastructure while upholding transparency, accountability, and unity—then Nigeria will not only survive but thrive.
We must welcome constructive criticism and civic engagement, not fear them. They are not threats, but tools for building a stronger nation.
May these principles guide our leaders today and for generations to come.
Abdullahi can be reached at lawalabdulbunu@gmail.com
