As another election cycle approaches, concerns about the desperation with which some Nigerian politicians pursue political power are once again coming to the fore. For some political actors, elections appear to have become less about presenting ideas, serving the people and earning their confidence, and more about winning by whatever means necessary.
That can include intimidation, thuggery, harassment, violence, manipulation and attempts to suppress political opponents.
But must winning an election truly be a do-or-die affair?
If a politician is genuinely popular, competent, accountable and has performed creditably in office, there should be little justification for intimidation or violence against opponents and voters. A strong record should be its own campaign.
Unfortunately, Nigeria’s political history has repeatedly shown how easily political competition can become hostile. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in its report on the 2023 General Election, documented cases of intimidation, violent clashes, disruptions, obstructions and targeted attacks involving supporters of competing political parties. The Commission has also repeatedly called on political parties and candidates to conduct their activities peacefully and with civility.
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This raises a fundamental question: Why has political power become so fiercely contested that some actors appear willing to do almost anything to obtain or retain it?
Nigeria has enormous natural and human resources. Yet millions of Nigerians continue to struggle with unemployment, poverty, insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, poor public services and a rising cost of living.
Rather than focusing exclusively on how to address these challenges, political contests can sometimes appear dominated by the struggle for access to power and the resources that accompany it.
Politics should be a platform for public service, not a battlefield for personal ambition.
The most disturbing aspect is the apparent intolerance for criticism. In a healthy democracy, citizens should be free to question their leaders, demand accountability and express opposing views without fear. Political opponents should be treated as competitors, not enemies.
When political actors use intimidation or violence to silence those who disagree with them, democratic participation is weakened.
This is not democracy at its best. It is political warfare masquerading as democracy.
Public resources belong to the people. They do not belong to politicians, their families, friends or political associates. Public office is a temporary mandate, not a personal inheritance.
It is therefore painful when political power appears to become an avenue for accumulating wealth while ordinary Nigerians struggle to afford food, access quality healthcare, find decent employment or live safely in their communities.
The problems confronting Nigeria are real. Hunger is real. Poverty is real. Unemployment is real. Insecurity is real. The frustrations of millions of Nigerians are real.
Ignoring these realities will not make them disappear.
And the responsibility for changing this situation does not rest with politicians alone. Citizens also have an important role to play.
As elections approach, Nigerians must become more deliberate about the choices they make. We must look beyond party loyalty, ethnic and religious sentiments, financial inducements and political propaganda. Candidates should be judged by their records, ideas, competence, character, accountability and commitment to public service.
Our votes should be instruments of accountability, not commodities for sale.
Politicians, too, must understand one fundamental truth: you cannot force popularity.
If you have performed well, the people will remember. If you have served honestly, your record will speak for you. If you have delivered meaningful results, your achievements should become the foundation of your campaign.
But if your record is poor, no amount of propaganda, intimidation, money or political machinery can permanently transform a bad record into a good one.
Change the record—not the voters.
Nigerians deserve leaders who can earn political support because of their competence, character, integrity and record of service—not simply because they have the strongest political machinery or the deepest pockets.
And this conversation must extend beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Western countries and other international financial centres have long played a role in the global fight against corruption and the recovery of assets linked to corruption. There have been cases involving Nigerian public officials in which assets were frozen, confiscated or returned through international legal cooperation. For example, the World Bank’s Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative records the return of more than $311 million linked to the Sani Abacha case from Jersey to Nigeria in 2020, following legal proceedings involving the United States, Jersey and Nigeria.
This demonstrates an important principle: international cooperation can play a meaningful role in tracing and recovering illicit assets through lawful processes.
Therefore, if there is credible evidence that public funds have been stolen and transferred abroad, those assets should be investigated, frozen or recovered where legally justified, and returned through transparent and accountable processes. Political status should not shield anyone from legitimate investigation or prosecution.
At the same time, allegations must not be treated as convictions. The rule of law requires that accusations be investigated fairly and that guilt be established through due process.
The same principle should apply to political competition.
Nobody should be intimidated simply because they belong to an opposition party. No political party should use violence to silence its opponents. No voter should be threatened because of the candidate they support.
Election is not war. Political opponents are not enemies. Public office is not a personal inheritance.
If you are truly good, let the people decide.
If you are truly popular, you do not need thugs.
If you have truly served the people, your record should campaign for you.
And if the people reject you, have the courage and humility to accept defeat.
Nigeria belongs to all of us. It is time to reject the politics of intimidation, desperation and “win at all costs.”
Democracy is not about forcing citizens to accept a particular candidate. It is about giving citizens the freedom to choose their leaders and hold them accountable.
Election is not war. Leadership is service. And political power must never become more important than the people it is meant to serve.
Written by Festus Edovia, ANIPR, FICM
