In the previous editions of Season of Political Tourists, I raised concerns about the growing tendency of politicians to move from one platform to another in pursuit of political opportunity rather than political conviction.
Recent political developments have only reinforced that concern.
Many Nigerians have watched various party primaries and internal contests unfold across the political landscape. What should concern us is not which party was involved, but the lesson these events continue to teach.
A political party, no matter how noble its ideals, does not automatically become immune to the influence of individuals whose primary interest is power rather than service.
This is why we must be careful not to romanticize political parties.
For years, Nigerians have criticized certain practices in our politics—godfatherism, manipulation, imposition, excessive ambition, and the pursuit of personal interests above the common good. Yet recent events have reminded us that these tendencies are not confined to any one political platform.
When people move into a new party, they do not automatically leave behind their political character. Good people carry their values with them. Bad actors carry their habits with them.
That is why the future of our communities cannot depend solely on party labels.
Over the years, many supporters of Peter Obi have found themselves in different political platforms. Some moved with him as political realities evolved. Others remained where they were while continuing to support the same ideals of accountability, transparency, and people-centered governance.
What united them was never merely a party name.
It was a belief in certain values.
This distinction is important because every successful movement attracts both believers and beneficiaries.
The believers are committed to the ideals.
The beneficiaries are attracted to the popularity.
One seeks service.
The other seeks advantage.
As citizens, our responsibility is to distinguish between the two.
Instead of asking, “Which party does this person belong to?” we should be asking, “What values does this person represent?”
What has he done for the community?
What sacrifices has he made?
What evidence exists that he will govern differently from those we have criticized in the past?
These questions matter because communities do not win when parties win.
Communities win when credible leaders emerge.
And when opportunists secure power through the popularity of a movement they do not genuinely believe in, the result may be a political victory for them, but it is rarely a victory for the people.
That is why our focus must remain on character, competence, service, and integrity.
The vision is bigger than the vehicle.
The values are bigger than the party.
And communities must always come before political platforms.
