Ahead of the 2027 general elections, a group under the auspices of the Nehemiah Movement has criticized the current state of Nigerian politics, saying it reflects a worrying disconnect between the political class and the people. The group emphasized the need for citizens to come together across ideological lines to demand accountability and transparency from their leaders.
The group also noted that the current political rivalry ahead of the 2027 elections is marked by divisive rhetoric and a lack of constructive dialogue aimed at alleviating the suffering of the population. Political actors, they said, seem more concerned with consolidating power and influence than with proposing solutions to the country's economic challenges.
In a statement titled “The State of Nigerian Politics: A Call for People-Oriented Politics”, signed by its coordinator, Dr Olusanya Awosan, the group lamented that focusing on power struggles and partisan disputes undermines the significant progress. They said the collective conscience of the people can serve as a powerful force for change, forcing politicians to prioritize the well-being of the people above personal ambitions.
Recalling that Nigeria has faced significant economic challenges in recent years, with a majority of its citizens struggling with hardships and uncertainty, Dr. Awosan, former Senior Special Adviser (SSA) on Public Relations to former President Goodluck Jonathan, regretted that Despite these pressing problems, the political class remains largely distant from the struggles of the population. Instead, they continue to engage in partisan disputes and power struggles, prioritizing their ambitions over the needs of the citizens they are meant to serve.
“In recent years, Nigeria has faced significant economic challenges, with the majority of its citizens facing hardship and uncertainty. Despite these pressing issues, the political class seems largely removed from the struggles of the population. Instead of demonstrating empathy and concern for the well-being of the people, politicians engage in partisan disputes and power struggles, prioritizing their ambitions over the needs of the citizens they are meant to serve. “This situation raises critical questions about the role of the political class in nation-building and the well-being of the people,” he stated.
“The current political landscape in Nigeria is characterized by a worrying trend: politicians seem to unite only when it comes to sharing the nation's resources among themselves. In the corridors of power there is palpable camaraderie, but this unity dissipates when the focus shifts to the well-being of citizens. “The current political rivalry, especially in the run-up to the 2027 elections, is marked by divisive rhetoric and a lack of constructive dialogue aimed at alleviating the suffering of the population.”
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“Instead of proposing solutions to the economic challenges facing the nation, political actors seem more concerned with consolidating their power and influence,” he said.
Awosan recognized that this selfish behavior was not unique to Nigeria, but a phenomenon observed in many nations where political elites prioritize their interests over those of the people. However, he pointed out that there are countries where the political classes, despite ideological differences, have demonstrated a commitment to the common good.
An example of this, he said, is the Scandinavian countries, where political parties across the spectrum engage in constructive dialogue and collaborate to address social welfare issues. In these countries, the political class focuses largely on policies that promote equality, healthcare, education and social security, leading to high standards of living and general social well-being.
“The commitment of the political class to the well-being of the people is crucial for the construction of a nation. A people-oriented political class fosters an environment in which citizens feel valued and heard, leading to greater trust in government institutions. When politicians prioritize the needs of their constituents, they create policies that improve communities, reduce poverty, and promote sustainable development. This, in turn, leads to a more stable and prosperous society, where citizens can prosper and contribute to the growth of the nation,” he said.
The group's coordinator highlighted that the lack of empathy and concern of the Nigerian political class should serve as a call to action for citizens. He emphasized that it is imperative that the population realizes that their interests are often marginalized in the political arena.
He said the way to address this is for citizens to actively participate in politics, hold their leaders accountable and advocate for policies that address the root causes of poverty and inequality. He added that grassroots movements, civil society organizations and community leaders can play a critical role in mobilizing the population and fostering a culture of civic engagement.
“To achieve this, citizens must actively engage in political participation, hold their leaders accountable, and advocate for policies that address the root causes of poverty and inequality. Grassroots movements, civil society organizations and community leaders can play a critical role in mobilizing the population and fostering a culture of civic engagement.”
“By demanding a political class that is genuinely committed to the well-being of the people, Nigerians can work towards a future where governance is centered on the needs and aspirations of the citizenry,” Awosan said.
He concluded by quoting a Bible passage, Ezekiel 34:2-4, in which God condemned the shepherds of Israel for feeding themselves and neglecting their flock. According to him, the scripture serves as a powerful reminder that leaders are called to serve their people, not exploit them, and that it is time for Nigeria to unite “in its quest for a system in which politicians of all divisions give priority to the well-being of the population.” people and work tirelessly for the betterment of all.”