President Viktor Orbán, the Prime Minister of Hungary, has been in power for 16 years. Donald Trump calls him a strong man. He had altered the constitution and done a lot to consolidate power, even restraining free speech. He also blocked funds meant for Ukraine in the European Union.
Then a young man, 45 years old—Péter Magyar—who was part of Orbán’s party, broke away about two years ago and formed the Tisza Party. He campaigned across Hungary, sometimes visiting up to six communities and cities in a day. He moved from place to place, and his campaign was not just abusive—it addressed real issues:
Leaning towards the EU, Corruption, Decaying healthcare facilities, The economyÂ
Within two years, he was able to remove Orbán, who had even changed electoral laws to extend his stay in power.
You see, when the people make up their minds to change a system, the system changes. There comes a time when even those in the army, police, air force, and judiciary will align with the will of the people if it becomes strong enough.
That is a lesson we must learn in Nigeria.
Within a few hours of voting opening on Sunday, April 12, there was about 70% turnout. But in Nigeria, we complain, we cry, we pray, yet we don’t come out to vote. We don’t come out overwhelmingly.
When voters are few, thugs can intimidate people easily. But when there is a massive turnout, intimidation becomes difficult.
Elections in Nigeria must be issue-based.
Even the Vice President of the United States traveled to Hungary to support Orbán. He still lost. Orbán is also supported by Russia yet he lost. Why? Because the people came out in large numbers and voted decisively.
If anyone says we are not suffering, that things are not hard, that there is no insecurity, that roads are not bad, that people are not hungry —such a person is a demon, a wizard, an evil person.
The only way forward for the opposition is unity. Campaign on issues. Campaign with statistics. Campaign aggressively.
This man that won, Péter Magyar, used to be part of Orbán’s government. But there comes a point—what Chris Argyris described—where for any psychologically mature adult, personal values begin to conflict with organizational goals.
Let me reframe it:
Even in politics, there comes a time when your values and your desire for your nation will conflict with party goals.
That is what we need in this country.
This is not advocating for Nigeria to break up. No. If Nigeria breaks, the same politicians will go back to their regions with the same mindset, the same character—and we will only multiply our problems.
