”Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” cautioned George Santayana. Thomas Jefferson warned that “the spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions that I wish it to be always kept alive.” These reflections serve as a sobering reminder that the health of a democracy is maintained only through constant vigilance and the preservation of competitive pluralism. Today, let’s reflect on the current Nigerian political climate and whether the evolving trends in our political party system mirror the historical complexities of Abacha days once described by Bola Ige as the “five fingers of a leprous hand.”
Do you know that the current alignment of the Nigerian political landscape is generating significant discourse regarding the perceived narrowing of the opposition space as we approach the next electoral cycle? Observers have noted a unique trend where, despite the socioeconomic challenges such as high inflation, degraded public power, educational and health infrastructure, increasing poverty rate and security concerns that usually embolden rivals, there appears to be a growing consensus around the incumbency that some find reminiscent of 1998. The suspected politically-induced internal friction within various opposition parties, combined with a high volume of cross-carpeting to the ruling party and the emergence of numerous suspected politically sponsored support groups, has led some to question if the nation is moving towards a de facto one-party state with the sole aim of returning Tinubu as the president in 2027. When the democratic space appears to shrink and the distinction between independent institutions and the executive branch becomes an obvious subject of public debate, it creates an atmosphere of predictability that the ground is being prepared for a coronation rather than a political contest. This perceived institutional alignment suggests a foundation where the future of the society is increasingly tied to the continuity of a single political direction rather than a diverse marketplace of ideas.
So, enhance your capacity to engage in constructive civic participation that emphasizes the strengthening of our democratic institutions over the promotion of individual personalities. It is essential to advocate for a political environment where the rules of engagement are transparent and where the judiciary, electoral bodies, and law enforcement are seen to uphold the highest standards of impartiality. Rather than resigning to a sense of inevitability, citizens should focus on fostering a culture of accountability where the performance of those in office is the primary metric for continued support. This involves encouraging the growth of robust opposition platforms that can offer alternative solutions to the nation’s pressing infrastructure and economic needs, ensuring that the democratic process remains a genuine contest of ideas. By valuing institutional integrity and the spirit of the constitution, we move away from a system driven by the preferences of a few and towards one guided by enduring national principles. The goal is to ensure that the “hand” of governance is healthy, inclusive, and representative of the collective aspirations of all Nigerians, rather than a monolithic structure that limits the scope of public choice while promoting a parochial interest.
As you step out each day, remember that the resilience of democracy depends on the commitment of every citizen to uphold the values of fairness and equity. Aim to be a voice for systemic stability, recognizing that true progress is achieved when laws are stronger than the individuals who administer them. By focusing on the preservation of a competitive and transparent political process, you help secure a legacy of freedom and prosperity for generations to come. And for those who feel they can always have their way, let’s be conscious that while humans propose, God disposes. Let the events of 1998 be a big lesson in our political discourse.
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Esang Esitikot is a professor of occupational health and safety, a registered chemical engineer, public affairs analyst, UN Ambassador for Peace, certified management consultant, and volunteer lecturer at the Institute of Health, Safety, Security and Environment, University of Uyo. He is a manager in the oil and gas industry and was recognized by Highstone Global University, USA as the occupational health and safety personality of 2024. He can be contacted via 08035103559 (Whatsapp only) or email (esitikot@gmail.com).
