Once upon a time in this country, politics was about principles. It was about ideologies, philosophies, and genuine service to the people. Political parties had identities; you either belonged to the progressive or the conservative circle. Back then, party manifestos mattered, and candidates had no choice but to align with the vision of their party. The likes of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe may not have been perfect, but they operated within a system where ideas shaped leadership, and public interest meant something to them. They put people first in everything they do.
Today, however, the story has changed. Politics has now become a business venture. Just like buying bread, milk, semovita, meat and sugar in the market. The difference is that in the political market, the highest bidder takes it all. Ideologies have disappeared, party principles have been traded for personal interest, and what we now have is an unending game of nepotism, godfatherism and money politics.
In the Nigeria of today, party supremacy is no longer about discipline and collective decision-making. It has been hijacked by moneybags who impose candidates based on how much they can squander rather than their competence or track record. The recent trend is not even about delegates’ wishes anymore. It’s about who can throw money around recklessly.
The question we should all be asking is: when someone spends N10 billion or more to secure a governorship ticket or any appointment, what should the people expect when he gets there?
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Let’s not deceive ourselves anymore. Politics is now an investment, and like every investor, they must recover their capital with interest. This, sadly, is one of the reasons the reward system in Nigerian politics is not poor but disappearing.
Many loyal followers, foot soldiers, and hardworking supporters are often abandoned the moment the elections are won. I’m sure many of us can relate. After the victory, you will begin to see strange faces like childhood friends, secondary school classmates, foreign consultants, and even people who never came near the campaign grounds, all getting appointments, contracts, connections and juicy positions.
Those who truly laboured, those who sacrificed time, resources, and sometimes personal safety, are often sidelined. When you complain, the common reply you will hear is, “Do you know how much I spent to win this election?” forgetting that many people contributed in their own ways, not necessarily with money, but with loyalty, sweat, and commitment.
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To be fair, not all politicians are like this. Some still remember their people. A few still value posterity and understand that political power is transient, but such leaders are becoming rare.
As we approach the 2027 general elections, I believe it’s important for my fellow youth and political enthusiasts to wise up. If you have the opportunity to render services, ensure you negotiate your welfare early.
Collect what you can, not out of greed, but to secure yourself because the bitter truth is that not all politicians are reliable or trustworthy when power eventually arrives.
It’s high time our people stopped mortgaging their future for empty promises. The titles of Councilors, Supervisors, Special Adviser, Special Assistant, or Board Member are no longer enough to address the economic realities we face today. We need to start demanding proper representation, valuable positions, and sustainable opportunities for our youth, not just political handouts.
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This piece is not written to attack or insult any politician. Far from it. It is an honest opinion meant to spark a conversation and encourage young people to be strategic and intentional in their political engagements.
Politics should no longer be about blind loyalty. It should be about mutual respect, genuine empowerment, and a clear understanding of roles and rewards.
May God bless Nigeria and give us leaders with conscience.
By Hassan Popoola (Kishi-Man)
popoolahassan89@gmail.com
