The ongoing political developments within the ruling APC, particularly among members of the National Assembly, present one of the strongest lessons in contemporary Nigerian politics about power, overconfidence, and the dangers of political complacency.<\/p>\n
At a time when the Electoral Act and several internal political arrangements were being discussed and passed, many Senators and House of Representatives members of the APC extraction allegedly operated with the mindset that their return to the National Assembly was already secured. The atmosphere within the political space suggested that incumbency, loyalty to party structures, and alignment with powerful interests would automatically translate into return tickets ahead of the coming election cycle.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately for many of them, the political tide has shifted dramatically.<\/p>\n
Today, reports emerging from different states indicate that a considerable number of these lawmakers are either losing their tickets, facing fierce resistance from within their own party, or finding themselves politically isolated despite years of influence and legislative presence.<\/p>\n
The irony of the situation cannot be ignored.
\nMany who once believed the system would permanently protect their interests are now discovering that political structures are never completely loyal to individuals. In politics, interests evolve rapidly, alliances change overnight, and yesterday\u2019s kingmakers can suddenly become victims of the same political machinery they once trusted.<\/p>\n
This entire episode raises serious questions about the mindset with which laws are sometimes made in Nigeria. Laws, especially electoral laws, should never be approached from the standpoint of temporary political advantage or personal ambition. They must be subjected to deep scrutiny, broad consultation, and objective analysis because governance is bigger than the interests of any individual politician or political party.<\/p>\n
The present reality facing many lawmakers appears to prove a fundamental democratic principle: no political position is permanent, and no politician should ever assume invincibility.
\nOne of the biggest mistakes in politics is believing that the current balance of power will remain unchanged forever.<\/p>\n
History has consistently shown that political systems have a way of turning against those who fail to think beyond the immediate moment.
\nFor many APC lawmakers, the assumption may have been that party supremacy would override grassroots sentiments, internal opposition, or emerging political interests. But as events continue to unfold, it has become obvious that the same political environment they once considered safe has now become highly unpredictable.<\/p>\n
The situation also exposes the harsh realities of internal party politics in Nigeria. Loyalty is often celebrated publicly, but behind closed doors, political survival depends on negotiation, relevance, influence, timing, and sometimes sheer political luck. Several lawmakers who defended party decisions passionately may now be learning that political gratitude is rarely guaranteed.<\/p>\n
More importantly, this development should serve as a wake-up call, not only to APC lawmakers, but to politicians across all political parties in Nigeria.
\nLeadership requires foresight. Lawmakers must understand that every decision made within the chambers of the National Assembly has future consequences that may eventually affect even those who supported such decisions in the first place.<\/p>\n
Democracy thrives when leaders think institutionally rather than personally. When laws are made to favour a momentary political advantage, there is always the possibility that circumstances will change and those same laws will produce unintended outcomes.<\/p>\n
The unfolding situation therefore stands as a powerful reminder that arrogance, political overconfidence, and failure to critically evaluate long-term implications can become costly mistakes in public life.
\nIndeed, the current realities within the APC have once again proven one timeless truth in politics: power is temporary, political relevance is never guaranteed, and no system remains permanently in favour of anyone.<\/p>\n
For those watching closely, the lesson is loud and clear, always think deeply before you leap, because politics has no permanent guarantees.<\/p>\n
Amb. Anderson Osiebe, Executive Director, HallowMace Foundation Africa, Public Policy Expert and an Administrator writes from Abuja.<\/p>\n
God bless Nigeria!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The ongoing political developments within the ruling APC, particularly among members of the National Assembly, present one of the strongest lessons in contemporary Nigerian politics about power, overconfidence, and the dangers of political complacency. At a time when the Electoral Act and several internal political arrangements were being discussed and passed, many Senators and House…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":505,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[175,2,174],"class_list":["post-1038","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-national-assembly","tag-miscalculation","tag-nass","tag-primaries"],"yoast_head":"\n