When politics loses its moral compass: Nigeria’s struggle is not only political, but it is also a deeper crisis of values and collective responsibility.
By Ogechi Okoro
There should be a clear distinction between politics and morality. While politics often involves the pursuit of power and strategic interests, morality calls for responsibility, fairness, and concern for the well-being of others. Unfortunately, in many societies, these two ideals collide rather than complement each other.
When one looks at Nigeria, it is difficult to ignore the fact that the country is one of the most richly endowed nations in the world in terms of both natural and human resources. From vast oil reserves and fertile agricultural land to a large and energetic population, Nigeria possesses the ingredients necessary for prosperity and global influence. Yet the persistent struggles of the nation have led many observers to ask a painful question: How are the mighty fallen?
Nigeria’s journey since independence has been, at best, troubling. For those of us born in the mid-1970s, it is difficult to speak with lived experience about the earlier years of the nation. What we do know, however, is that over the decades, the condition of the country has steadily deteriorated. Economic instability, infrastructural decay, insecurity, and declining public trust in institutions have become recurring themes.
Some commentators attribute Nigeria’s challenges primarily to the long periods of military rule that interrupted democratic governance. While military interventions undoubtedly disrupted political development and weakened institutions, the explanation cannot rest solely on that factor. Interestingly, some military administrations did implement infrastructure projects and attempted to provide certain public goods. This observation is not meant to excuse or justify military rule, which fundamentally undermines democratic principles and civil liberties.
In my view, the deeper problem lies within us as a people. Too often, we appear accustomed to punishing ourselves collectively through poor decisions, weak accountability, and indifference to the common good. Personal gain frequently takes precedence over national progress. There seems to be an overwhelming desire to achieve wealth and status quickly, even if it comes at the expense of others or the long-term well-being of society.
This culture of impatience and excessive materialism has eroded moral responsibility in public life. When leaders see politics primarily as a pathway to personal enrichment, governance becomes secondary. When citizens tolerate or even celebrate such behaviour, the cycle continues.
READ ALSO: 2027 elections: As Tinubu hollows out Nigeria’s democracy
Nigeria’s challenge, therefore, is not only political but also moral. True national progress will require a renewed commitment to integrity, responsibility, and collective interest. Until morality finds a meaningful place within politics, the nation may continue to struggle despite its immense potential.
Another challenge we face as a society is our tendency to be overly accepting of wrongdoing. Many people appear willing to yield at the slightest pressure rather than confront injustice directly. What has gradually emerged is a dangerous “wait-for-your-turn” mentality, where individuals tolerate corruption because they believe that someday they too will benefit from the system.
In everyday conversations, one often hears the expression that it is “turn by turn.” The implication is clear: those currently in power are expected to enrich themselves while others patiently wait for their own opportunity to partake in the national treasury. This idea is sometimes expressed without shame or apology. When corruption becomes normalised in this way, it stops being viewed as a moral failure and begins to resemble an accepted part of the political culture.
It is therefore puzzling that corruption has not been confronted in a more formidable and sustained manner. While there are occasional public outcries, they often fade quickly, replaced by resignation or indifference. A society that becomes comfortable with corruption ultimately undermines its own development, because resources meant for public good are diverted into private pockets.
The rise of social media has also created a complex dynamic. While digital platforms have the potential to empower citizens, amplify important voices, and expose wrongdoing, their overall impact has not always been positive. Many young people now spend significant amounts of productive time online rather than engaging in practical or economically rewarding activities. The race to break news, share sensational stories, or post shocking images has become a form of competition in itself.
In many cases, social media platforms resemble arenas where everyone wants to become a commentator, critic, or broadcaster. The desire to attract attention often outweighs the need for thoughtful engagement or meaningful contribution. Instead of serving as tools for education, innovation, and enterprise, these platforms can easily become spaces dominated by frustration, anger, and endless commentary.
The deeper issue may lie in our collective inability to moderate our actions. As a society, we often struggle to recognise when enthusiasm turns into excess. Balance and discipline are essential if social media is to become a force for national development rather than distraction.
If Nigeria is to move forward, citizens must begin to rethink both their expectations and their habits. Fighting corruption requires not only strong institutions but also a cultural shift that rejects the “turn-by-turn” mentality. Similarly, technology should be harnessed for learning, entrepreneurship, and innovation rather than simply for noise and spectacle.
Ultimately, national transformation will not come from speeches, hashtags, or political slogans. It will come from a change in mindset, when citizens refuse to celebrate corruption, when leaders understand that public office is a responsibility rather than an opportunity for personal gain, and when society collectively demands accountability.
Nigeria’s greatest challenge may therefore not be its politics, but its moral courage. Until we rediscover the values of integrity, discipline, and responsibility, the nation’s immense wealth and potential may continue to coexist with poverty and frustration.
But if those values can be reclaimed, Nigeria could still become the nation it was always meant to be.
- Dr. Ogechi Okoro writes from Hamilton, New Zealand.
