By Samuel Jekeli
Nigeria’s political culture has taken a dangerous turn, one where loyalty to politicians outweighs loyalty to truth. The recent clash between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has not only sparked debates but has also incited physical confrontations among their supporters. Across the country, citizens have taken to the streets, clashing violently in defense of their chosen senator, turning a political dispute into a national crisis.
What should have been a matter for legal and institutional resolution has devolved into street fights, protests, and violent confrontations. Supporters of both Natasha and Akpabio have engaged in physical altercations, blocking roads, vandalizing properties, and threatening public safety. Rather than demanding justice and transparency, many have chosen to defend their preferred politician at any cost, even if it means harming fellow Nigerians.
This pattern is troubling. Why should ordinary citizens bear the brunt of political disputes between individuals who, at the end of the day, will shake hands behind closed doors? The irony is that while their supporters fight in the streets, these politicians will continue to negotiate their political interests in air-conditioned rooms, unaffected by the chaos unfolding in their name.
It is no secret that some political figures thrive on chaos. Instead of urging their supporters to maintain peace and let due process take its course, they exploit emotions, pushing narratives that incite division. Paid agents and influencers flood social media with inflammatory rhetoric, deepening the animosity between opposing sides.
This reckless approach to politics undermines national unity. The real question is: should Nigerians be fighting each other over politicians who do not know them personally and who may not fight for them in return? The answer is clear: politicians should be held accountable, not idolized to the point of violence.
Another catalyst for the escalating tension is the role of the media. Instead of promoting balanced discussions, some media outlets have chosen to amplify divisive narratives, further entrenching the battle lines. Television analysts, many of whom are paid, defend the indefensible, fueling public outrage and encouraging confrontations.
The media must take responsibility for its role in this crisis. Instead of serving as a propaganda tool, it should promote peace, fact-based reporting, and objective analysis. The press should not be an agent of disorder but a platform for constructive discourse.
The Natasha-Akpabio controversy is just one example of a larger issue: Nigeria’s growing tendency to replace issue-based politics with personality-driven allegiance. While justice and fairness must be upheld, citizens must resist the temptation to engage in violent support for politicians who may not have their best interests at heart.
Instead of taking to the streets to fight each other, Nigerians must channel their energy into demanding accountability from all leaders. The focus should be on ensuring that justice prevails, not on blindly defending individuals based on sentiment. A democracy that thrives on violence and blind loyalty is doomed to fail.
The Natasha-Akpabio controversy should serve as a wake-up call. Nigeria cannot afford a political culture where citizens battle each other over disputes that should be settled through proper legal and institutional channels. The real battle should be against corruption, injustice, and political disorder, not against fellow Nigerians.
As a people, we must rise above sentiment and stand for truth, fairness, and justice. The question remains: will we continue fighting each other for politicians, or will we stand together for a better Nigeria?
• Samuel Jekeli writes from Centre for Social Justice, Abuja