Politics without principle, when parties become safe havens for the corrupt

POLITICS WITHOUT PRINCIPLE, WHEN PARTIES BECOME SAFE HAVENS FOR THE CORRUPT

By Comr. Muhammad Shuaibu Daabu (Katakpa)

One of the most disturbing realities in Nigeria’s political space today is how morality seems to shift depending on party affiliation. It appears that no matter how tainted a public figure may be, once such a person declares interest in joining the ruling party, especially the APC, their sins are suddenly forgiven. Allegations that once dominated headlines go silent. Investigations lose momentum. Critics become quiet. The same voices that condemned them begin to defend them.

On the other hand, when a politician who has served within the ruling structure defects to the opposition, the narrative instantly changes. The same individual who was previously criticized becomes celebrated. Past allegations are conveniently ignored. They are rebranded as heroes, reformers, or victims of political persecution. Nigerians are expected to forget yesterday and embrace today’s version of the same politician.

This pattern raises serious questions about our political culture. Is accountability now dependent on party loyalty? Are integrity and corruption defined by political alignment rather than by facts and evidence? When justice becomes selective and public opinion becomes partisan, democracy suffers.

The reality is that corruption is not the property of one political party. It is a systemic problem that has affected both the ruling party and the opposition over the years. Many of the faces we see today have moved from one party to another at different times. They carry the same history, the same records, and often the same questionable decisions. Yet public perception changes the moment their party membership changes.

This is why Nigerians must begin to look beyond party slogans and propaganda. Political parties in Nigeria have increasingly become platforms for personal ambition rather than institutions driven by ideology or consistent principles. Party manifestos are rarely the focus. What dominates is power, control, and survival.

If we are honest with ourselves, both major political blocs have contributed in one way or another to the challenges Nigeria faces today. From economic hardship to insecurity, from unemployment to weak institutions, the failures cannot be blamed on only one side. Many of the key actors have rotated through different administrations and different party platforms.

So the question is not which party Nigerians should believe. The real question is which individuals Nigerians should trust. The era of blind party loyalty must end. Our focus should shift to character, competence, track record, and credibility. Who has demonstrated integrity even when it was inconvenient? Who has served selflessly without using public office for personal enrichment? Who speaks the truth regardless of political pressure?

Nigerians must begin to vote for good people, not just popular parties. A bad individual does not become good because they wear a different party badge. Likewise, a competent and honest person should not be dismissed simply because of party stereotypes. Our votes should reward integrity and punish corruption consistently, regardless of party color.

Democracy can only thrive when citizens hold leaders accountable without bias. Justice must not be selective. Public memory must not be short. Political parties should not become safe havens for those seeking protection from accountability.

If Nigeria must move forward, we must stop recycling the same individuals under different party banners and expecting different results. Real change will not come from party switches. It will come from principled leadership and an informed electorate that refuses to be manipulated by partisan narratives.

The future of Nigeria does not lie in APC versus opposition. It lies in credible leadership versus corruption. And it is the responsibility of Nigerians to make that distinction wisely.