By Osita Biose
It is no longer news that the political landscape in Nigeria is being desecrated with unwholesome and frightening landmark erosion of the ethos and political principles of the founding fathers of the country. However, it is no doubt that an average Nigerian and observers of the political derailment in the country are wondering at the systemic infusion of the growing menace into the life of the nation; making the ugly trends acceptable in the political development of the country.
For instance, decamping and cross-carpeting from one political party to another have become so frequent that such ungentlemanly and untrustworthy displays of most politicians in the country no longer give the people any cause for concern. Yet, the trend should raise critical questions about the place of party loyalty and ideological commitment in the politics of the country.
Furthermore, the blatant disregard of court orders has become alarmingly common, eroding the rule of law and casting a shadow of doubt on the integrity and trustworthiness of the judicial system of the country. Allegations of judicial manipulation, as seen in high-profile cases involving figures like Akpabio and Lawan, further threaten public trust in the judiciary.
In Delta State, the political environment is also undergoing a significant shift as it drifts toward becoming a one-party state. This transition raises doubts and important questions about how the entrenched traits of different political parties would interact and influence governance under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as the state governor. With the executive committee of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) still in place after the governor led a major trunk of the party to the All progressive Congress (APC) in the state, there are concerns about potential internal conflicts and power struggles within the parties. The retention of PDP structures under a new leadership may lead to tensions and could potentially result in an implosion, especially if there are divergent interests among party members.
Again, the recent address by President Bola Tinubu, while considered eloquent, seems disconnected from the daily realities faced by many Nigerians. This disconnect highlights a broader issue of governance, where rhetoric often overshadows tangible action. The question remains: when will there be a meaningful change ?
As Nigeria approaches the Presidential Election in 2027, the strategies adopted by key political figures will be crucial. If President Tinubu follows a similar approach of his predecessor, Mohammadu Buhari, by focusing on congratulating winners, rather than interfering in elections, the outcome could significantly impact on the political landscape.
As for Delta State, this raises several questions: Will the PDP maintain its stronghold in the state ? Can alternative parties like ADC or the Labour Party make unexpected gains ? How will the primaries shape the future of political alliances and rivalries in the state ?
The primaries are likely to be contentious, potentially nurturing bad blood among party members and leading to further cross-carpeting to other parties.
The situation in Delta State will particularly be noteworthy, serving as a case study for the broader challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy. The interplay of political interests, party dynamics and governance will undoubtedly shape the future of the state and possibly permeate the nation.
The present political environment in Nigeria is at a crossroads, marked by challenges that threaten the stability and integrity of its democratic processes. The coming months will be critical in determining the direction of the country’s politics and possiblity for meaningful reforms.