Nigeria, a country blessed with immense resources, talented people, and a rich cultural heritage, continues to suffer under the weight of bad political leadership. The recent political crisis in Rivers State and the apparent misuse of federal power by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike are clear signs that democracy in Nigeria is being strangled by personal interests and political vendettas.
How can a democratically elected governor be rendered powerless by a federal government that claims to uphold democratic principles? How can a state of emergency even be considered in Rivers State, where an elected leader still presides? These questions expose the troubling reality that democracy in Nigeria is increasingly becoming a mere illusion. Instead of governance rooted in the will of the people, we see political actors using power to settle scores, manipulate institutions, and push personal ambitions at the expense of national stability.
The dangerous trend of political interference, intimidation, and suppression of elected officials is a sign of a failing system. The actions of Tinubu and Wike are not about national interest; they are about consolidating personal control, silencing opposition, and ensuring that a few individuals hold absolute power over the fate of millions. This is not democracy—this is autocracy in disguise.
Nigeria is gradually being pushed into darkness. The economy is failing, inflation is at an all-time high, insecurity continues to threaten lives, and basic amenities remain a dream for many. Yet, our leaders are busy playing political chess games instead of addressing the pressing issues facing Nigerians. The focus is not on progress but on power retention. Wike, now in a position of influence as FCT Minister, seems more interested in proving political dominance than serving the people. His obsession with control has turned the nation’s capital into a battlefield of political ego rather than a beacon of governance.
Where is the National Assembly in all of this? Will they sit back and allow democracy to be eroded? Will they watch as political tyranny takes over? Their silence will only confirm what many Nigerians already fear—that the people’s voices no longer matter, that democracy is just a name, and that the system has been hijacked by a select few who are willing to sacrifice the country’s future for their selfish ambitions.
Nigeria deserves better. Leadership should be about service, not oppression. It should be about uplifting the people, not manipulating them. Until we break free from the grip of bad political leadership, our nation will continue to suffer. The time to speak up is now. The time to act is now. Nigeria must not be left to the mercy of those who seek power for personal gain. Democracy must be protected, or we risk losing our country to those who care only for themselves.
By: Godwin Offor
