By Umar Usman Duguri
Politics is meant to be a contest of ideas, policies, and leadership. In a healthy democracy, political competition revolves around how best to improve the lives of citizens through sound governance and accountable leadership.
However, in Nigeria, politics has increasingly become politicized in a manner that prioritizes personal interests, ethnic loyalties, religious sentiments, propaganda, and endless political rivalry over national development.
The politicization of politics occurs when every issue—whether economic, security-related, judicial, educational, or humanitarian—is viewed solely through a partisan lens. Rather than evaluating decisions based on merit, many political actors and their supporters judge issues according to which political party, ethnic group, or influential figure is involved. This trend has become one of the greatest obstacles to Nigeria’s democratic and socio-economic progress.
Politics Without Governance
An examination of political activities across Nigeria reveals that electioneering often begins immediately after the conclusion of previous elections. Rather than concentrating on implementing campaign promises, political office holders devote substantial time to political calculations, alliance-building, defections, and preparations for the next electoral contest.
This perpetual campaign mode weakens governance. Public policies become instruments for political advantage instead of tools for national development. Infrastructure projects, social interventions, and appointments may be influenced more by political calculations than by genuine public needs.
Ethnic and Religious Polarization
Perhaps the most dangerous consequence of politicizing politics is the deepening of ethnic and religious divisions. Politicians frequently exploit existing social differences to mobilize support, portraying elections as contests between regions, tribes, or faiths instead of competitions among competent leaders.
Such narratives undermine national unity and create suspicion among communities. Citizens often defend politicians from their ethnic or religious backgrounds regardless of their performance, making accountability increasingly difficult.
Weakening Democratic Accountability
In mature democracies, citizens reward good governance and reject poor leadership. In Nigeria, however, political loyalty sometimes overshadows objective assessment of performance.
Supporters may excuse corruption, abuse of office, or policy failures simply because the accused belongs to their preferred political camp. Likewise, commendable policies introduced by political opponents may be rejected for purely partisan reasons.
This culture weakens democratic accountability because elected officials become more concerned with satisfying political supporters than delivering measurable development.
Misinformation and Political Propaganda
The rise of social media has amplified political misinformation. Fabricated stories, manipulated videos, and coordinated propaganda campaigns often dominate public discourse during political seasons.
Instead of encouraging informed debate, misinformation fuels anger, confusion, and hostility. Many citizens unknowingly become participants in spreading false narratives, further polarizing society.
An informed electorate cannot thrive where propaganda consistently replaces verified facts.
Corruption Flourishes
When politics becomes excessively politicized, corruption investigations themselves become political weapons.
