The political landscape in Osun State has recently been marred by conflicts over a Court of Appeal judgment regarding the reinstatement of former local government chairmen and councillors. The ambiguity surrounding the ruling has led to violent clashes, resulting in the tragic death of a former local government chairman and an assassination attempt on a former commissioner. Similar tensions are unfolding in Lagos and Rivers states.
The Root Causes of Political Chaos
Political Godfatherism: Political elites manipulate the democratic process, positioning themselves as ultimate power brokers. They impose their will on the people, deciding who rules over them, often bypassing democratic principles.
Politics as a Lucrative Business: Politics in Nigeria is not driven by service but by financial gains. Many politicians enter office with little wealth but amass enormous fortunes within a short period. They build hotels, acquire properties, and make extravagant investments, using public office as a means of personal enrichment.
Expensive Electoral Process: The cost of contesting elections is extremely high. Candidates must spend heavily on traditional rulers, political figures, youth leaders, and women’s groups. Voters, knowing that politicians will abandon them after elections, demand financial inducements upfront. As a result, politicians enter office with the primary aim of recouping their expenses.
Local Government Elections and State Governors: State governors view local government councils as their ATM machines, exerting control over them by conducting elections that favour their loyalists. With the new financial independence granted to local governments, governors now seek to install their stooges in these offices. This flawed system fuels political conflicts and power struggles.
Urgent Political Reforms Needed
Independent Conduct of Local Government Elections: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should oversee local government elections, removing the influence of state governors. This would promote fairness and enable different political parties to win at the grassroots level.
Creation of Local Political Parties: Nigeria should allow local political parties to contest at the local government level. In developed nations like the United Kingdom, smaller parties such as the Green Party and other regional movements thrive. Establishing similar structures in Nigeria would empower grassroots democracy and break the monopoly of national political parties.
Drastic Reduction of Politicians’ Remuneration: The financial benefits of holding public office should be significantly reduced. This would discourage opportunists and ensure that only those genuinely committed to serving the people run for office.
Strengthening Electoral Courts: An independent electoral court should be established to swiftly handle election disputes. Legal interpretations of rulings should be clear and indisputable to prevent conflicting claims from different political parties.
International Oversight and Sanctions: Foreign governments and international bodies should closely monitor Nigeria’s elections. Sanctions should be imposed on politicians who engage in electoral violence and fraud. Their visas and those of their families should be revoked, compelling them to invest in Nigeria’s development rather than seeking refuge abroad.
A Call for National Development
It is time for Nigerians to demand better leadership. We cannot continue allowing political elites to hijack the system for their selfish interests. The recent statement by the National Security Adviser that Nigeria must focus on development is accurate. If our leaders are forced to stay in the country without the option of escaping to foreign hospitals and schools, they will be compelled to improve local institutions.
Someone once asked me why I sent my children abroad for education. I responded that I did not contribute to Nigeria’s political problems. I have never held a government position or benefitted from public funds. My children should not suffer for a mess I did not create.
Let us work together to build a Nigeria that truly serves its people.
I remain Dr. Charles Apoki.
We have properties for sale. Interested buyers can reach out to us.
God bless you.
