Nigeria’s Political Crossroads – Governance or Power Struggle? - Ola Olateju

Political Panorama Issue No.1  

Welcome to Political Panorama with Ola Olateju, your weekly deep dive into the evolving dynamics of Nigerian politics. In a world where political maneuvering often overshadows governance, this column aims to cut through the noise and provide a balanced, critically neutral analysis of Nigeria’s political developments. Whether you are a keen observer of governance, an academic, or an active participant in Nigeria’s democratic process, this column is designed to keep you informed, engaged, and equipped with insights that matter.

Nigeria’s Political Crossroads – Governance or Power Struggle?

Nigeria’s political landscape remains as dynamic as ever, with shifting alliances, policy debates, and governance challenges shaping the national discourse. As the nation navigates its complex democracy, one critical question emerges: Is Nigeria focused on governance, or is it perpetually entangled in a power struggle?

The Struggle for Political Dominance

Nigeria’s political elite appear more engrossed in the politics of survival than in the art of governance. The recent tensions within the ruling and opposition parties highlight a long-standing pattern where political strategy takes precedence over national development. From intra-party wrangling to cross-carpeting, political actors seem more interested in securing electoral victory than in providing sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.

The recent crisis within the major political parties underscores the fragility of internal democracy in Nigeria. The factional disputes, legal battles, and suspensions of key figures reveal the extent to which personal ambitions drive political movements. This, in turn, diverts attention from policy-making, leaving critical governance issues unaddressed. For example, the protracted leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the internal conflicts within the All Progressives Congress (APC) have stifled constructive engagement on key national issues such as security, economic policy, and social welfare.

Additionally, the widespread phenomenon of cross-carpeting—where politicians switch parties based on personal interests rather than ideology—demonstrates the extent to which power retention is prioritized over governance. In recent years, high-profile politicians have defected between major parties, often just before elections, further undermining political stability and accountability.

Governance Deficit and Public Discontent

While politicians engage in strategic maneuvering, the Nigerian public faces pressing challenges: rising inflation, worsening insecurity, and a struggling economy. The government’s economic policies, including subsidy removal and foreign exchange liberalization, have yet to yield the desired relief for ordinary citizens. Amidst these economic woes, questions arise about the effectiveness of policy implementation and the commitment of leaders to alleviating hardship.

For instance, the removal of fuel subsidies was initially presented as a step toward economic stability, yet the cost of living has skyrocketed without corresponding measures to cushion the impact on citizens. The devaluation of the naira, coupled with inconsistent fiscal policies, has further compounded economic hardships, leading to increased poverty levels and social discontent.

The paradox of Nigerian democracy is that while electoral processes continue to improve, governance outcomes remain largely stagnant. Citizens increasingly question whether democracy, in its current form, is delivering dividends or merely reinforcing elite dominance. The disconnect between campaign promises and post-election governance remains a critical concern. Despite efforts to introduce policy reforms, many of these initiatives falter due to bureaucratic inefficiencies, corruption, and lack of political will.

Security remains another critical issue. The persistent threats of banditry, insurgency, and kidnapping have placed immense pressure on national stability. While security agencies have made some progress, their efforts are often undermined by political interference and inadequate funding. The failure of successive administrations to implement a comprehensive security strategy has left many communities vulnerable to violence and lawlessness.

Babangida’s Book Launch: A Reflection on Nigeria’s Political History

The recent book launch by former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, has reignited debates about Nigeria’s political history and governance trajectory. Babangida, who ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993, remains a polarizing figure, often credited with both the modernization of Nigeria’s economy and the systemic political flaws that persist today. 

 Gen. (rtd) Ibrahim Babangida

His book offers insights into his administration, but it also raises uncomfortable questions about his role in annulling the June 12, 1993, presidential election—widely regarded as the most credible election in Nigeria’s history. The justification for that decision remains unconvincing, even decades later, as Nigeria continues to struggle with the consequences of weakened democratic institutions. Moreover, civic engagement must be encouraged. Citizens must move beyond political    apathy and demand more from their leaders. Democracy thrives when the electorate remains vigilant, informed, and actively involved in governance processes. Civil society organizations, the media, and advocacy groups must continue to push for transparency and good governance. The judiciary and anti-corruption agencies must also be empowered to function independently, holding political officeholders accountable for mismanagement and abuse of power.

Furthermore, his administration’s economic policies—such as the Structural Adjustment Program (SAP)—ushered in an era of economic liberalization but also deepened economic inequality, creating the foundations of the hardship many Nigerians face today. While some argue that SAP was necessary to stabilize Nigeria’s economy, others point to its failure to protect the most vulnerable citizens.

Babangida’s reflections, though significant, also expose the longstanding trend of Nigerian leaders seeking to rewrite history in their favor. The book, rather than serving as a true reckoning of past decisions, appears to be an attempt at legacy repair. It is a reminder that Nigeria’s political elite often engage in historical revisionism to justify past failures while evading accountability.

The Road Ahead: Reclaiming Governance

Atiku Abubakar

For Nigeria to progress, a paradigm shift is necessary. The focus must move from electoral politics to governance. Political leaders must prioritize national development over personal ambition. Strengthening institutions, ensuring accountability, and promoting policies that directly impact citizens’ welfare should take center stage.  Additionally, the political recruitment process must be reformed to ensure that competence, integrity, and service delivery take precedence over patronage and political loyalty. Without these fundamental

changes, the cycle of power struggles will continue to hinder Nigeria’s democratic consolidation.

As Nigeria stands at yet another political crossroads, the fundamental question remains: Will leaders embrace the responsibility of governance, or will the cycle of power struggles continue? The answer to this question will shape the nation’s trajectory in the coming years.

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