By Okoi Obono-Obla
Politics Beyond Ethnicity: Demanding Accountability in 2027:
Who is a Politician?
A politician is anyone who participates in the governance of his or her country. This does not necessarily mean that only those who subscribe to membership in a political party qualify as politicians. One may belong to a political party without playing any role in the governance of the country or state.
What is Politics?
Politics is the art and science concerned with the management and administration of society, whether at the level of the state, the community, or even the family. Every society is endowed with resources, yet these resources are often insufficient to meet the needs of all segments of the population. Consequently, politics involves the equitable distribution and allocation of such resources to ensure inclusivity and prevent exclusion, denial, marginalization, or sidelining of any group.
In essence, politics is the authoritative allocation of values and resources within a community. It also encompasses the organizational structure of society—determining which institutions or organs are entrusted with the responsibility of managing specific functions.
It is therefore a misconception to assume that only individuals who hold formal positions in governance or who belong to political parties are politicians or engaged in politics. Such a definition is unduly narrow and fails to capture the broader reality of political participation.
Interrogating the 2027 Presidential Agenda:
Now that we know who our presidential candidates are and the political parties sponsoring them for the 2027 general elections, it is time to interrogate their policy agenda, direction, and trajectory in addressing the pressing problems confronting the country.
It is not enough for a presidential candidate to come from one’s state, local government area, ward, geopolitical zone, ethnicity, or faith. What matters is how each intends to tackle the nation’s challenges.
– Economic hardship and hunger: Those who complain of hunger due to current economic policies must demand a clear roadmap from their preferred candidate or party. Will the government introduce food rationing? Will it attempt to cook meals daily for 230 million Nigerians?
– Fuel and energy: For those concerned about fuel prices, what is the candidate’s position? Will subsidies be reintroduced, knowing that past subsidies cost the government over $1.5 billion monthly?
– Food inflation: For those troubled by rising food prices, will the government distribute food items free of charge or impose price controls?
– Exchange rate instability: For those worried about the naira’s depreciation, will candidates suspend the floating exchange rate and return to regulation, despite the government previously spending over $2 billion monthly to stabilize the currency?
– Security challenges: For those alarmed by kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and poor policing, what concrete measures will candidates propose to restore safety and order?
– Poverty alleviation: For those concerned about Nigeria being labeled the “poverty capital of the world,” what immediate and long‑term strategies will candidates present to eradicate poverty?
This is the time for all candidates and political parties to present their roadmaps and agendas so that citizens can interrogate them thoroughly. It is not about tribe, ethnicity, or geopolitical zone—it is about solutions. Nigerians must demand clarity, feasibility, and accountability.
Conclusion:
The 2027 elections should not be reduced to identity politics. They must be about ideas, policies, and practical solutions. Citizens must insist on knowing which candidate has the vision and capacity to address hunger, insecurity, poverty, and economic instability—not in abstract promises, but in actionable roadmaps. Only then can we move beyond sentiment and select leaders who can truly transform the nation.
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