MUSA-ODODO ABDULRAHAMAN
A Crucial Lesson for All Nigerians
Politics as the Highest Human Responsibility
Politics, in its purest form, is the conscious and strategic management of collective human affairs to create order, justice, and progress in society. It is not merely a struggle for power or a system of governance but the art of harmonizing diverse interests to achieve a shared national destiny.
At its highest level, politics is the architecture of civilization. The success or failure of a nation is fundamentally determined by the depth of political wisdom guiding its leaders, institutions, and citizens. Nations that get their politics right flourish; those that do not remain trapped in stagnation, corruption, and instability.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, it is crucial that we, as a people, awaken to a new political consciousness. We must move beyond the manipulative tactics of power-hungry politicians and redefine politics as a sacred duty to shape our nation’s destiny.
This article explores:
- The deeper meaning of politics and why it is essential for nation-building.
- Case studies of nations that got their politics right and how it transformed them.
- Why Nigeria has not yet mastered its politics and the consequences of this failure.
- A practical way forward for Nigeria, outlining the roles of citizens, institutions, politicians, and leaders.
- The Deeper Philosophy of Politics in Nation-Building
1.1 Politics as the Custodian of National Purpose
A true nation is not merely a geographic entity but a people bound by a shared destiny and purpose. Politics, in its highest function, should be the force that defines, refines, and institutionalizes this purpose.
Great civilizations – Ancient Egypt, Rome, China, the United States, and Singapore – were not accidents of history but conscious political creations. Their leaders and thinkers aligned power with wisdom to shape the destiny of their people.
In contrast, nations that fail to develop a conscious political philosophy become unstable and lack a clear national direction.
1.2 Politics as the Manifestation of National Philosophy
Politics is not just about policies and governance; it is the practical expression of a nation’s philosophy – the values, ideals, and principles that define its identity.
Every great nation has an underlying philosophy:
United States: Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
China: Harmonious society based on order and discipline
Japan: The Samurai spirit – duty, honor, and service to the nation
Nigeria? We have not clearly defined our national philosophy.
This absence of a national philosophy is a fundamental issue. Without a guiding political ideology, a nation cannot manifest its true destiny.
1.3 Politics as Conscious Nation-Creation
Nations do not emerge by accident; they are built through deliberate and strategic statecraft. The politics of a nation must answer fundamental questions:
- Who are we as a people? (National Identity)
- What do we stand for? (Core Principles & Values)
- What is our shared purpose? (National Vision)
- How do we organize power to achieve this purpose? (Governance Structure)
Without answering these questions, politics becomes chaotic, opportunistic, and driven by self-interest, leading to national stagnation.
- Case Studies: Nations That Got Their Politics Right
2.1 Ancient Egypt: The Politics of Civilization
Ancient Egypt was one of the longest-lasting civilizations in history because it was built on a deeply ingrained national consciousness. Egyptian politics was structured around:
A unified vision of civilization and order.
Stable institutions that preserved knowledge, governance, and development.
A leadership model that prioritized national destiny over personal ambition.
Egypt’s ability to maintain a stable civilization for thousands of years proves that political wisdom, not just economic strength, determines a nation’s longevity.
2.2 The United States: The Politics of National Ideals
The U.S. was founded on a clear political philosophy:
Liberty, democracy, and opportunity for all.
A system of checks and balances to prevent tyranny.
A culture of political debate and civic participation.
Despite its flaws, America’s political system has survived for over 200 years because it is built on an agreed-upon national purpose.
2.3 Singapore: The Politics of Strategic Leadership
Singapore, a small island nation, became one of the world’s most developed countries in just 50 years because its politics focused on:
Visionary leadership (Lee Kuan Yew’s governance model).
Strict anti-corruption policies.
A national identity rooted in discipline, unity, and progress.
Singapore proves that a nation’s transformation depends on the quality of its politics, not its natural resources.
- Nigeria’s Political Crisis: Why We Have Not Gotten It Right
Nigeria’s problem is not lack of resources or potential – it is the absence of conscious nation-creation. Our politics is transactional, not transformational.
Key Political Failures:
- No Clear National Philosophy – What do we stand for as a people?
- Leadership Without Vision – Power is sought for personal gain, not national development.
- Weak Institutions – Governance is unstable because institutions are not built on principles of justice and fairness.
- Ethnic and Religious Manipulation – Politicians divide Nigerians for selfish political advantage.
Without fixing our politics, Nigeria can never manifest its unparalleled destiny as the greatest black nation on earth.
- A Practical Way Forward: How We Can Get Politics Right
4.1 The Role of Citizens
Demand higher political standards and reject manipulative politics.
Engage in political education to understand governance beyond elections.
Vote based on vision, not ethnicity or personal gain.
4.2 The Role of Institutions
Strengthen the rule of law to ensure accountability in governance.
Redefine the electoral system to discourage corruption and manipulation.
Institutionalize national philosophy in education and governance.
4.3 The Role of Politicians
Seek wisdom and vision over power and wealth.
Develop policies based on long-term national interests.
Uphold justice, fairness, and accountability.
4.4 The Role of Leaders at All Levels
Prioritize national unity and shared identity.
Create a governance structure that aligns power with wisdom.
Develop long-term national projects that unify and transform Nigeria.
Conclusion: The Call for Higher Politics
Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. We must elevate our politics beyond power struggles and selfish interests to a higher purpose of national destiny.
Politics must be seen as:
A sacred duty to shape a just and prosperous society.
A conscious effort to build a nation based on wisdom and justice.
A commitment to manifest Nigeria’s true greatness.
Only by getting our politics right can we secure the future of Nigeria and create a nation that will stand as a beacon of hope, unity, and progress for Africa and the world.
The time for political awakening is now. The 2027 elections must not be about manipulation but about the rebirth of Nigeria through Higher Politics.
Final Thoughts
This article is a call to action. Let it spark deep reflection and ignite a movement for a new political consciousness in Nigeria.
Yours for Nigeria as a Global Leader
Abdulrahaman is the Founder, Initiative for Discovery of Nigeria Heritage and Endowment (IDNHE).
Chairman, National Policy Dialogue.
www.nationalpolicydialogue.org