November 4, 2026 by Our Reporter
Outgrowing adversarial politics ahead of 2027
Sir: The theatre of Nigerian democracy increasingly resembles an ancient arena of gladiators rather than a modern hall of governance. As the nation begins the delicate march toward the 2027 general elections, our political landscape remains defined, not by a healthy, intellectual clash of ideas, but by a toxic, zero-sum warfare. From bitter godfather-godson proxy wars playing out in volatile state assemblies to the routine deployment of state machinery to muzzle dissent, public service has been displaced by a relentless drive for political survival and dominance.
This is adversarial politics—a destructive governance model where the absolute annihilation of the opponent matters far more than the development of the nation. The late global statesman Nelson Mandela once reminded the world that “if you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.”
If Nigeria is to break free from its chronic cycles of economic fragility and social fragmentation, our political class, civil society, and electorate must urgently abandon this hostile paradigm. We must embrace a new ethos grounded in civility, maturity, mutual love, and deep structural understanding.
In a healthy democratic matrix, a robust opposition acts as a vital mechanism for accountability. It probes, refines, and provides alternatives. In Nigeria, however, political competition frequently morphs into an existential conflict. Rather than debating policy efficacy or presenting distinct institutional visions, political actors treat their rivals as enemies to be crushed.
The consequences of this toxic environment extend far beyond the parameters of political parties, exacting a heavy toll on the ordinary citizen.
When politics is treated as a war of attrition, governance inevitably suffers. While the elite trade media insults, cross political carpets for personal convenience, and fund expensive litigation, the critical existential crises facing Nigerians—skyrocketing inflation, structural unemployment, and systemic insecurity—are left to fester.
The upcoming 2027 general elections represent a critical junction for the survival of Nigeria’s democratic project. It must not be approached as a do-or-die battleground, but as an opportunity to showcase political maturity. True maturity in politics requires actors to understand that losing an election is not an existential elimination, but an invitation to refine one’s ideas and try again.
Political parties must evolve from mere vehicles for capturing power into ideological institutions. Campaigns must be anchored on actionable manifestos, rigorous economic blueprints, and verifiable governance strategies rather than personal attacks.
Nigeria cannot build a sustainable, competitive 21st-century economy on a fragile foundation of political hostility. The immense, compounding challenges facing our nation require collaborative leadership, cross-party consensus on key developmental goals, and an unyielding commitment to public service built on mutual understanding.
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