EDITORIAL: Politics of Vendetta Undermines Democratic Progress
By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia
Democracy thrives on healthy competition, tolerance, and respect for the rule of law. It is designed to provide citizens with choices and ensure that leadership remains accountable to the people.
However, when politics is driven by vendetta rather than vision, it becomes a destructive force that weakens institutions and slows national development.
The politics of vendetta is increasingly becoming a disturbing feature of political culture, where personal grievances, revenge, and hostility take precedence over governance and public service. Instead of focusing on policies that improve the welfare of citizens, some political actors devote their time and resources to targeting perceived opponents.
This may manifest in the form of political intimidation, exclusion, unnecessary probes, or the abandonment of beneficial projects initiated by previous administrations.
Such actions are not only counterproductive but dangerous to democratic stability.
Governance is a continuum, not a personal enterprise. When leaders dismantle valuable initiatives simply because they were not the originators, it is the people who ultimately suffer.
Development is delayed, public resources are wasted, and confidence in leadership diminishes.
Vendetta politics also creates a climate of fear and division. It discourages capable and honest individuals from participating in politics, knowing they may become targets of persecution.
This weakens the quality of leadership and deprives society of the best minds needed for progress.
Furthermore, institutions of government must never be weaponized for personal or political revenge.
The rule of law must remain impartial and serve justice, not political interests. When institutions lose neutrality, democracy itself is endangered.
Leaders must understand that political power is temporary, but their legacy will be defined by their contributions to peace, unity, and development.
True statesmen rise above personal differences and work in the interest of the greater good.
Nigeria’s democracy, and indeed any democracy, can only grow stronger when politics is guided by vision, integrity, and service rather than revenge.
Political actors must embrace issue-based engagement, respect their opponents, and focus on delivering tangible benefits to the people.
The future of democracy depends not on the defeat of political opponents, but on the triumph of good governance.
