By Adelodun Adetoyese
In the corridors of power, where governance meets personal ambition, the political class is frequently presented with a choice that defines their tenure: govern with integrity and execute campaign pledges, or plunge into the murky waters of political infighting and betrayal. With the 2023 elections behind them, it is now up to Nigeria’s newly elected governors to lead with responsibility, loyalty, and wisdom. A word of caution is in order here, and there is no greater contemporary example than Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Governor Obaseki, a product of political mentorship fostered by powerful people such as Adams Oshiomhole and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, finally took a different course, resulting in an unpleasant and public political war with his supporters. His journey, although a reminder of personal political accomplishment, also offers a cautionary tale to other governors: much as Sim Fubara never bite the hands that once elevated you.
The Politics of Betrayal: A Slippery Slope
The concept of “godfatherism” has long been ingrained in Nigerian politics. Political allegiance, on the other hand, should not be viewed as a convenient weapon. Too many governors, once in power, fall prey to political betrayal, turning their backs on those who previously fought for their ascension.
Governor Obaseki’s well-documented feud with Adams Oshiomhole, the man who helped catapult him to power, as well as later confrontations with important political personalities including Pastor Ize-Iyamu, Philip Shaibu, and Tenebe Ernest, highlight the high cost of disloyalty. His second tenure has been hampered by troubled relationships, which have greatly harmed his ability to lead from a united political platform. Instead of capitalizing on his early success, Obaseki’s term has become a cautionary story of discord and broken trust.
It is a political catastrophe not only for Edo State but for any leader who prioritizes ego before duty. The Nigerian political class must thus examine themselves: are they governing for the people, or have they succumbed to the egotism of power? The political ramifications that Governor Obaseki is currently facing should not be taken lightly. Governors must learn to balance loyalty with leadership to avoid self-imposed political isolation.
The Consequences of Political Hubris
Every political leader should follow the maxim primum non nocere, which means “no harm.” When a governor abandons ties and pledges established in the past, they risk losing not only political capital but also moral stature. People who choose to break promises or cultivate animosity with people who helped them climb to power face serious consequences. A divided political house cannot stand; treachery breeds instability and disorder, frequently resulting in the loss of public trust.
Obaseki’s challenges have been exacerbated by a bitter, nearly Shakespearean political conflict with his deputy, Philip Shaibu. This is a classic example of governors who ignore the delicate fabric of political loyalty, sowing the seeds of their political demise. To governors across Nigeria, let Obaseki’s experience serve as a lesson that trust is the only long-lasting political currency—break it, and you’ll find yourself alienated from both your benefactors and the people.
Leadership Beyond Self-Interest
Leadership is about stewardship, not defending one’s ego or engaging in petty political battles. Every governor must recognize the importance of the pledges they made to the electorate. Campaign promises are more than slogans; they are social commitments, and breaching them represents a betrayal of the very core of democracy.
Governors should instead focus on governance and carrying out their missions. They should exemplify the spirit of “veracity”, ensuring that their words and deeds align with their promises. There is a need for the Nigerian political class to exhibit “fidelity” in governance, not only to their godfathers but to the voters who elected them.
*The Way Forward: Unity and Dedication*
Governors must set aside their political differences and focus on development. Nigerians are no longer immune to political leaders’ underhanded tactics, which prioritize power fights above progress. The rising generation of Gen Z, the youth group that currently makes up a sizable proportion of the voting population, expects accountability, openness, and authenticity. Politicians who fail to meet these expectations will find themselves increasingly irrelevant.
Governors should channel their energies into policies that will address key issues such as hunger, unemployment, education, and infrastructural development. The challenges facing Nigeria today are too grave to allow ego-driven disputes to derail the development agenda. If a governor wishes to leave a lasting legacy, they must ensure that their administration is remembered for its *gravitas* and commitment to public service, not for petty politicking.
Lesson from Obaseki
My lesson from Obaseki’s political journey is clear: political allegiance is a two-way street. While no one can prescribe a governor’s political allegiances or personal friendships, a word of caution is adequate. Governors must resist the temptations of treachery and stick to the pledges made during their campaigns. Betrayal of one’s political allies and supporters would not only bring public condemnation but can also quickly derail a once-promising political career.
Governors across Nigeria have a rare opportunity to rewrite the story of their respective states and leave a positive legacy. But this will only be accomplished via “fortitude”, strategic governance, and, most importantly, “loyalty”—not just to their allies, but to the people they vowed to serve. Let Obaseki’s cautionary tale serve as a mirror, reflecting the repercussions of political recklessness and the enduring worth of honesty in leadership.
Written by Adelodun Adetoyese, a political activist, writer.
