There is a growing awakening among Nigerians a collective fatigue born out of hardship, insecurity, and unfulfilled promises. Across the country, the desire is simple: a government that works, a system that responds, and leadership that understands the realities of the people. Yet, in the midst of this genuine yearning for change, there is a truth we must confront: political parties, more often than not, are merely vehicles for the attainment of power. They do not, by default, exist as reflections of the suffering of ordinary Nigerians, even though they present themselves as such during election cycles.
While citizens struggle daily with rising costs, insecurity, and uncertainty, many politicians operate from a completely different reality. Years within the system have elevated them into positions where the harshness of everyday Nigerian life barely touches them. They are insulated by privilege, protected by influence, and sustained by access to resources that place them far above the conditions faced by the average citizen. This disconnect creates a dangerous gap between expectation and reality, where the people hope for empathy, but are often met with calculated political maneuvering instead.
This is not to say that there are no sincere actors within the political space. There are individuals who genuinely desire to fix the system, to build, and to serve with integrity. However, within that same space exists another group those who see political platforms not as instruments of service, but as ladders for personal ambition. For them, the objective is not necessarily to transform society or improve governance, but to secure party tickets, win elections, and consolidate power for themselves and their political networks. They are drawn to platforms not because of ideology or vision, but because of the popularity, sympathy, or momentum such platforms currently enjoy among the people.
This is why Nigerians must be cautious, especially in moments like this where hope is shifting toward emerging platforms such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC). While the party may appear as a viable alternative and may indeed carry the expectations of many Nigerians seeking change, it is important to understand that it is not immune to the same internal contradictions that have defined other political platforms. Within it are individuals with differing intentions some genuinely aligned with the aspirations of the people, while others are primarily driven by personal or group interests that may not necessarily reflect the broader public good.
In a recent interview I had with Arise News, I made it clear that the real issue is not about who joins a political party, but about the clarity of its leadership and its ability to manage competing stakeholders interests effectively. Politics, at its core, is a game of interests, and when multiple interests converge without structure, discipline, and clear direction, the outcome is often instability. This is one of the greatest challenges any coalition or emerging political force must confront if it hopes to remain credible and effective in the eyes of the public.
The situation involving Nafiu Bala, who has positioned himself in opposition to the party’s internal structure, is a clear example of how conflicting interests can manifest within a political system. Regardless of the motivations behind his actions, the reality remains that such internal disruptions, if not handled with decisiveness and strategic clarity, can derail the broader objectives of the party. It becomes less about external opposition and more about internal cohesion, which is often the more difficult battle to fight.
My position, therefore, is that the leadership of the party, including figures such as David Mark, must remain focused on the larger goal and not allow distractions to define the party’s trajectory. Where individuals have clearly taken positions that are at variance with the collective direction, efforts should be directed toward strengthening the institutional framework of the party rather than being consumed by prolonged internal conflict. Leadership at this level requires not just negotiation, but the courage to make firm decisions in the interest of long-term stability.
It is also important to understand that in politics, actions are often driven by underlying interests that are not always visible to the public. I know of an instance where an individual was offered significant financial incentives running into hundreds of millions of naira to work against political processes, to slow down momentum, and to destabilize an emerging structure. A substantial portion of the money was paid upfront, yet the individual refused to act against the system, not because the offer was unreal, but because his personal interest did not align with the objective of those making the offer.
This underscores a fundamental truth about politics: interest is the primary driver of action.
As Nigerians continue to invest hope in parties, movements, and coalitions, it becomes increasingly important to recognize that not everyone within these structures shares the same vision or commitment to public service. Some are genuinely driven by a desire to improve the country, while others are motivated by personal gain and political survival. The challenge, therefore, is not just in choosing platforms, but in critically evaluating the individuals within them and understanding what truly drives their actions.
Ultimately, change will not come simply because a new party emerges or because familiar faces realign under a different platform. Real change will come when there is clarity of purpose, accountability in leadership, and a politically conscious citizenry that understands that power is not just about who occupies office, but about what they represent and how they govern when entrusted with that power.
Nworisa Michael is the coordinator of Inter-tribe Community Support Forum -ICSF and writes from nworisamichael1917@gmail.com
