Political Reward System In Nigeria: Perspectives Of An Observer

Nigeria’s political landscape, from the Federal to the local level, presents a reward system that appears to discourage loyalty, reward opposition figures, and weaken team spirit within political parties. Since the return to democracy in 1999, the country’s political system has consistently favored outspoken critics, disloyal party members, and opposition figures, leaving loyalists in the shadows. This peculiar trend can be observed at every tier of government and even down to personal political relationships, raising questions about the overall health of Nigeria’s democratic process.

Political Loyalty vs. Political Disloyalty

Political Loyalty refers to a steadfast commitment to a political party, leader, or ideology. It is characterized by consistent support, dedication, and adherence to party principles, even in challenging times. The high points of political loyalty include:

Trust and Stability: Loyal politicians foster trust within the party, creating a stable political environment. Their reliability strengthens party cohesion and ensures smoother governance.

Reward and Recognition: Loyalty is often rewarded with political appointments, career advancement, and a stronger reputation within the party, as long as the party values internal solidarity.

Long-term Influence: Politicians who remain loyal build lasting influence and respect, contributing to the party’s continuity and its long-term goals.

Political Disloyalty, on the other hand, involves a lack of allegiance or betrayal of party ideals, often for personal gain or opportunism. The low points of political disloyalty include:

Erosion of Trust: Disloyalty creates division and mistrust within political parties, undermining unity and making collaboration difficult.

Unpredictability: Disloyal politicians are seen as opportunists, which can destabilize party structures and lead to frequent defections, weakening the party’s base.

Short-term Gains, Long-term Consequences: While disloyal politicians may receive immediate rewards, such as appointments or favors, they often damage their long-term credibility and influence, leading to exclusion from future opportunities.

In a nutshell, political loyalty builds trust, stability, and long-term influence, while political disloyalty breeds division, opportunism, and instability.

Federal Level: A Reward for Criticism

The political reward system in Nigeria has shown a historical pattern of favoring opposition figures. One striking example dates back to the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999. Obasanjo, leading the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), gave the Ministry of Power to Chief Bola Ige, an opposition leader from the Alliance for Democracy (AD). Later, Ige was moved to the Ministry of Justice, where he served as Attorney General before being assassinated in office. Despite his high-profile appointments, Chief Bola Ige never joined the ruling PDP. His role in the government reflected a political norm that began in the early days of Nigerian democracy — rewarding the opposition while sidelining loyal party members.

Fast forward to 2023 under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), this tradition remains intact. A notable case is the appointment of Mr. Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a position considered one of the most significant in the Nigerian federal system. Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, was a staunch leader in the PDP and one of the most vocal critics of the APC, at one point describing the APC as a “cancerous” party. Curiously, he was found worthy of a plum position in the ruling APC government, despite his opposition roots and continued membership in the PDP. This begs the question: Are there no loyal APC members fit for the role? 

This paradoxical trend undermines the principle of rewarding loyalty within political circles and further highlights a political culture that rewards opposition figures.

State Level: A Dicey Political Landscape In Edo State

At the state level, the political reward system continues to demonstrate peculiar choices. In Edo State, where Governor Godwin Obaseki of the PDP faced conflicts with his court-backed deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu, a replacement was sought not from within the PDP but from the Labour Party (LP). Mr. Omobayo Godwins, a key figure in the Obidient Movement — a political pressure group within the Labour Party — was appointed as the new deputy governor. Again, this raises a critical question: Are there no loyal and competent PDP members in Edo State fit for this position?

This act of appointing opposition figures into high-level government positions, even when qualified and loyal party members exist, weakens the party’s internal cohesion and raises doubts about the value placed on loyalty in the Nigerian political space. It creates a perception that loyalty within political parties is dispensable, and that crossing over to the opposition or being a prominent critic can serve as a faster route to political elevation.

*Local Level: The Ika Federal Constituency Experience*

The story is no different at the local level, particularly in Ika Federal Constituency of Delta State. Mr. Cyril Nosegbe, a former chieftain of the PDP in Ika North East, defected to the APC and was swiftly rewarded with a lucrative position as Special Adviser on Niger Delta Affairs to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. The speed of his rise after defecting begs the same question posed at higher levels of government: Are there no competent and loyal APC members in Delta State deserving of such positions?

This trend further highlights how Nigeria’s political system seems to favor opportunism over steadfast loyalty. Politicians are rewarded for switching sides or for their criticism of the ruling party, often at the expense of party loyalists who have worked tirelessly for years. This dynamic sends a dangerous message to those who value loyalty — that their commitment may not be recognized or rewarded.

Rewarding Loyal and Committed Party Members: A Path to Sustainable Political Growth

In Nigeria’s political system, a troubling trend has emerged where disloyal party members and outspoken critics are rewarded with high-profile appointments, while loyal and committed members are often overlooked. This practice undermines party cohesion, discourages loyalty, and fosters opportunism. To promote a healthier political culture, it is essential to recognize and reward loyal and committed members who contribute to the party’s success, instead of rewarding those who criticize the system or “reap where they did not sow.”

*Why Loyalty Matters*

Loyalty in politics ensures stability, trust, and long-term commitment to a party’s vision and goals. Loyal members work tirelessly during elections, uphold the party’s principles, and help implement policies that benefit the public. By recognizing and rewarding these members, political parties can strengthen internal unity, foster a sense of belonging, and motivate others to stay committed.

*Dangers of Rewarding Disloyalty*

When disloyal members and critics are rewarded, it sends a message that loyalty and hard work are not valued. Opportunists who switch sides or criticize the system for personal gain undermine the morale of dedicated party members. This practice creates a political environment driven by self-interest rather than collective progress, weakening the party’s foundation and damaging its credibility.

Strategies for Rewarding Loyalty

Prioritize Internal Promotions: Party members who have demonstrated long-term commitment and contributed to the party’s success should be considered first for key roles and appointments.

Establish a Merit-Based Reward System: Introduce a transparent system that rewards loyal members based on their contributions, participation in campaigns, and adherence to party principles. This ensures that recognition is given where it is due.

Strengthen Party Training and Development: Offer leadership training and development opportunities for loyal members, equipping them with the skills to assume greater responsibilities within the party and government.

Public Recognition: Celebrate loyal members through awards, events, and public acknowledgment, showcasing their dedication to inspire others and reinforce the value of loyalty.

By focusing on these strategies, political parties can foster a culture of commitment, reward those who contribute meaningfully, and reduce the opportunism that rewards disloyalty and undermines party cohesion. In the long run, this approach will create a stronger, more united political system that values integrity and dedication.

The Culture of Patronage and its Consequences

The political reward system in Nigeria discourages loyalty and damages the cohesion of political parties. Loyal party members who have worked diligently for years may find themselves sidelined while critics and opposition members are elevated to key positions. This undermines the core values of trust and collaboration that should ideally characterize party politics.

Moreover, the pervasive culture of political patronage based on opportunism has fostered a disloyalty-driven political environment where opposition members are courted with prestigious positions, while loyalists often wait in vain. This breeds disillusionment among party members, weakens the democratic fabric, and diminishes the incentives for sustained loyalty.

From an outside perspective, it is clear that Nigeria’s political reward system needs a reset. A laborer deserves his wage. Until political parties begin to reward loyalty and competence rather than opportunism, the country’s democratic process will remain fragile, lacking the unity and team spirit necessary for true national progress.

Ewere Okonta is the CEO of EOB Media. He writes from the Department of Business Administration, University of Delta, Agbor. 08037383019 ewereokonta20@gmial.com www.ewereokontablog.org.ng

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