How Political Class has taken control of Nigeria’s Future for their own interests

How Political Class has taken control of Nigeria’s Future for their own interests

Introduction

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and one of its most resource-rich, stands today at a crossroads of destiny. Once envisioned as the “Giant of Africa,” her light dims under the shadow of a political class that has hijacked her promise for personal gain. What was meant to be a nation built on justice, equity, and prosperity has become a playground for greed, manipulation, and the recycling of power.

Historical Background: The Promise That Faded

At independence in 1960, Nigeria was celebrated as a beacon of hope for the African continent. With vast oil reserves, fertile lands, and a vibrant population, the world expected her to rise swiftly into greatness.
But the post-independence dream was quickly disrupted. By 1966, the first military coup struck, citing corruption and ethnic bias among politicians. Ironically, what began as an attempt to “save the nation” soon became a cycle of military takeovers, political deceit, and civilian betrayals.

From the First Republic to the Fourth, a pattern emerged — power was never truly returned to the people. Instead, it was transferred from one elite group to another, all united by personal interest, not national vision.

The Rise of the Political Class

The “political class” in Nigeria is not defined by ideology or service but by access to power and resources. These are individuals who move seamlessly between political parties, tribes, and ideologies — not out of conviction, but out of convenience.

During the oil boom of the 1970s, billions flowed into the national treasury. Yet, instead of industrial transformation, the money fueled corruption, inflated contracts, and personal wealth accumulation. Schools decayed, hospitals collapsed, and infrastructure crumbled — while political elites sent their children abroad and built private empires at home.

The Second Republic (1979–1983) repeated the same tragedy. Civilian rule returned, but governance became synonymous with patronage. When the military struck again in 1983, they accused politicians of looting the nation. Ironically, many of those same military men later removed their uniforms and became civilian politicians in the 1990s and 2000s — continuing the same cycle under new titles.

Democracy or Kleptocracy?

When Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999, hope was reborn. Citizens believed the dark years were over. But two decades later, that hope has turned into disillusionment.

Elections are now a ritual of recycling the same faces under different party logos. Political parties have become vehicles for personal enrichment rather than public service. The poor remain poorer, while politicians multiply their wealth with every tenure.

Public offices — meant to be a sacred trust — have become business ventures. Budgets are inflated, national assets are sold to cronies, and appointments are distributed like family heirlooms.

The Price of Political Selfishness

The consequences are everywhere:

Education: Underfunded universities and millions of out-of-school children.

Health: Leaders fly abroad for medical care while citizens die in understaffed hospitals.

Security: Banditry, terrorism, and ethnic violence thrive under a leadership more focused on the next election than national protection.

Economy: A debt-laden economy where the youth, instead of creating, are escaping through migration — the “Japa” wave.

A Lesson from History: When Nations Failed

History shows that when a nation’s elite hijack its destiny, decline is inevitable.

Rome fell when its leaders prioritized wealth over citizenship.

The Ottoman Empire collapsed under corruption and internal decay.

Zimbabwe once had one of Africa’s strongest economies — until politics strangled governance.

Nigeria’s warning signs are clear: no nation survives when leadership becomes self-serving.

The Way Forward: Reclaiming the Future

The future of Nigeria does not belong to politicians — it belongs to the people. But the people must rise beyond tribal loyalty, monetary inducement, and political apathy.
Reclaiming Nigeria’s destiny requires:

1. Civic awakening — citizens understanding their rights and demanding accountability.

2. Leadership by integrity — electing people of proven character, not recycled opportunists.

3. Youth participation — a generation that refuses to be bought or silenced.

4. Value reorientation — moving from politics of profit to politics of purpose.

As long as we continue to sell our votes, our future will remain in the pockets of the political class. But when the masses awaken, even the mightiest political empire will crumble.

Conclusion: The Call to Conscience

Nigeria’s story is not yet over. Though the political class may have captured the present, they cannot hold the future if the citizens decide otherwise. Every generation faces a defining question — and ours is clear: Will we continue to be ruled by greed, or will we rise to reclaim our destiny?

History will remember those who stood up when it mattered most.

Rev Samuel Olusegun Omowaiye
GMN Searchlight World Visionary Leadership Media

New Books “Regional Pathway” by Rev Samuel O Omowaiye. Grap a copy here https://selar.com/5m73r42238.

2. “The Cry of A Wasted Generation”
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3. “WHERE MONEY HIDES”
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