By Uji Wilfred

Right from the foundations of the Independence struggle that led to self-rule, political party formations in Nigeria were crafted majorly for the capture of political power through periodic elections.

Political Parties never had ideological foundations that defined the boundaries of political recruitment and participation.

Political parties in their formation, leadership structure and ownership, belonged more to the ruling oligarchs than the people or the masses.

In the First Republic, political parties had little ideological bent, framed along regional and ethnic sentiments, but little of rallying the entire nation along in a unified polity.

In the general elections of 1954 – 1956, each of the ruling political party, the Northern People’s Congress, the Action Group and the National Council of Nigerian Citizens emerged as regional parties in terms of the demographic voting pattern as well as the control of political seats.

The First Republic suffered from a contradiction of centripetal and centrifugal forces within the framework of the tripartite system which eventually led to the collapse of that republic.

Political parties as well as the leadership recruitment reflected a regional and ethnic bias more than the need for the national integration of Nigeria.

Decamping across political lines, irrespective of ideological leanings, were the basic norms of the First Republic with political parties splitting out from the major political party. Formation of new political parties to fragment the dominant hold of ruling political parties were common political vices of the political class at that time. For example, Chief Akintola, despite the ideological soundness of the Action Group, splitted up the party with the formation of a new political party.

Chief Akintola’s desire was fired more by ambition than the issues of ideology and national interest.

In Northern Nigeria, the ruling Northern People’s Congress waged a war of suppression and dominance against other minority political parties with strong ideological bent that inspired minority ethnic nationalism.

The NPC through its slogan of One North, One Destiny, suppressed minority political parties such as the United Middle Belt Congress led by Joseph Tarkaa.

The point is that Nigeria from her foundations inherited a political culture where political parties have weak ideological roots as well as party and leadership recruitment.

Since 1999, Nigeria has witnessed the recycling of bourgeoisie Political Party Formation and leadership recruitment through a process of metamorphosis that defiles ideological lines and national interest.

Political participation and leadership recruitment has been centered on the urgent need to capture power at the center using political parties owned by a few powerful oligarchs.

The People’s Democratic Party in its formation and foundation was a fraternity of past and serving military generals and their civilian equivalent.

The PDP since its inception has been led by past military officers like David Mark and Atiku Abubakar, the civilian equivalent of the military.

The dream of the PDP led by these retired military generals under the leadership of former President Olusegun Obasanjo was the enthronement of Africa’s biggest political party that was to last for a century.

As good as the dream of the party was, the PDP, like the experience of the First and Second Republics lacked deep ideological roots that defined the boundaries of political recruitment and participation.

The triumph of the People’s Democratic Party forced the rival All People’s Party and the Action Congress of Nigeria into a state of collapse and submission leading up to the bourgeoisie metamorphosis that resulted to the formation of the All Progressive Congress on the eve of 2015 with the sole objective to unseat President Good luck Jonathan.

The APC was a metamorphosis and amalgamation of opposition parties including some dissenting faction of the PDP to reclaim the so called birth right of the far right North in Nigeria to produce the President of Nigeria.

Political recruitment and leadership struggle in Nigeria has never been defined by ideological needs to salvage or emancipate Nigeria as a nation. Political struggle has always been a recycling of that section of the bourgeoisie, through a process of metamorphosis, whose objective is to capture political power at the center.

The present protest and political struggle by the African Democratic Congress, the faction led by David Mark and Atiku Abubakar, is a recycling of bourgeoisie metamorphosis not too different from the experience of 2015.

At best, the David Mark and Atiku Abubakar led protest represents that desperate struggle entrenched in the thinking of the Far Right of Far Northern Nigeria, that political leadership resides in the ancestral birth right of the aristocratic ruling political class of the North.

David Mark and Atiku Abubakar perhaps are suffering from a dementia that has made them forget that they were the agents that destroyed the foundations of democracy in Nigeria through the sacking of former President Good luck Jonathan of the People’s Democratic Party.

These men formed the All Progressive Congress and wrestled power from a democratic government exploiting the dynamics of national security and developmental challenges.

In 2015, Nigerians believed their opinions and through the ballot removed Good luck Jonathan.

However, since then, has Nigeria fared better under the APC that was enthroned by oligarchs leading in the present protest under the auspices of the ADC.

Perhaps, David Mark and Atiku Abubakar may assume that Nigeria suffers from a collective dementia that has forgotten the past so soon.

There is an adage that says, he who comes to justice and equity must come with clean hands. The same forces that enthroned bad governance in Nigeria factored in the APC, through a metamorphosis, want to rebirth another Nigeria through the ADC.

In ideological terms, this does not make sense, the ADC Protest is the same old thing of old wine in a new wine bottle.

If Nigeria must experience a change, let it come through some revolutionary medium that will not exploit the people’s trust and betray them once in power.

Over the past decades, the betrayal of public trust, exploiting the innocence of the people, perhaps the naivety of the people, is what we have seen and experienced through the circles of bourgeoisie metamorphosis and political leadership recruitment.

By Raphael Atuu

Benue State, fondly referred to as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” was created on February 3, 1976, by the military administration, carved out of the old Plateau State. From its inception, the state was administered by a succession of military administrators, followed by civilian governors in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

Over the decades, leadership passed through several hands each leaving varying degrees of impact on the state’s trajectory.

In its early years, Benue was widely regarded as a peaceful and united society. Communities coexisted in harmony, bound by shared values, cultural pride, and a strong sense of collective identity.

The economy was largely driven by agriculture, with fertile lands producing yams, rice, cassava, and other staple crops. Institutions like the Benue Cement Company also contributed to economic activity and employment.

In those days, the government was distant from the daily struggle of the average citizen. Few people concerned themselves with the affairs of Government House. Wealth and dignity were derived from hard work, farming, trading, and craftsmanship not political patronage.

The people spoke with one voice, celebrated their traditions with pride, and upheld communal respect as a guiding principle.

However, the return of democracy in 1999 marked a significant turning point, one that would reshape the state’s social and political fabric in ways few anticipated.

With democratic governance came new opportunities, but also new challenges. Politics gradually became the most attractive path to wealth and influence.

For many, Government House transformed from a symbol of public service into a gateway to personal enrichment.

The perception of politics shifted from service to self-interest.

As political competition intensified, unity began to erode. Divisions along ethnic, local government, and party lines deepened. The once cohesive voice of the Benue people became fragmented, often drowned in partisan conflicts and power struggles.

Perhaps more troubling was the subtle transformation in societal values.

 The Benue man, once admired for courage, resilience, and industry, began though not universally to exhibit tendencies toward dependency and political loyalty over merit.

Sycophancy started to replace integrity, and the dignity of labor was gradually overshadowed by the allure of quick gains through political connections.

Elected officials rose to positions of authority and influence, becoming key decision-makers in society.

 Yet, for many citizens, the dividends of democracy remained elusive. Infrastructure development lagged, agricultural potential remained underutilized, and poverty persisted despite abundant natural resources.

The irony is striking: a state so richly endowed, yet struggling to translate its potential into tangible progress.

Beyond economics, insecurity and communal clashes in recent years have further strained the social fabric.

 The peace that once defined Benue has been challenged, forcing many communities to confront displacement and uncertainty.

While these issues are complex and multifaceted, the role of political leadership in addressing or failing to address them cannot be ignored.

So, where did the politicians get it wrong?

They lost sight of the essence of leadership service to the people. Governance became more about control than development, more about personal gain than collective good.

 Long term planning gave way to short term political calculations. Investments in agriculture, which should have remained the backbone of the state’s economy, were neglected in favor of less sustainable ventures.

Moreover, the failure to foster unity and inclusive governance widened the gap between leaders and the led. Politics became a tool for division rather than a platform for progress.

Yet, all hope is not lost.

Benue still possesses immense potential, fertile land, vibrant culture, and resilient people, what is needed is a return to the values that once defined the state: hard work, unity, integrity, and community driven development.

 Leadership must be reimagined, not as an avenue for wealth, but as a responsibility to uplift the people.

The story of Benue State is not just one of decline it is also one of possibility.

 With the right vision, commitment, and collective will, the state can reclaim its place as a model of peace, productivity, and progress.

The question remains: will its leaders and its people rise to the occasion?

If you want, I can.

‎By Ben Atonko

‎With Prof. Sebastine Hon SAN, FCIArb in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the die is cast. The fog is clear and the path is straight. The stage is set for a thrilling contest in Benue State. His switch adds momentum to the umbrella and it is clear the PDP is a force to reckon with.

‎The PDP is clearly a party to beat in any political contest in Benue State.

In 2023, even as the All Progressives Congress (APC) appeared to be very popular, it indeed faced a gruelling battle and its victory was pyric. As a party that ruled for over a decade, the PDP is like a tough champion – an opponent to fight every day.

‎And so the air in Mbatan Ward, Gboko Local Government Area was electric on April 3 as Prof.

Hon’s resignation from the APC sparked jubilation among women and youths. They thronged the streets chanting “Sebastine Hon, the only one”, a testament to his widespread popularity.

‎As the leading gubernatorial aspirant in Benue State, Prof. Hon enjoys immense goodwill and support. People see him as the solution to the state’s insecurity woes, with promises to promote agriculture, tackle infrastructure deficits, provide jobs, develop sports and foster inclusiveness.

‎The aspirant has promised to boost the state economy through agricultural development. Benue State, fondly called the Food Basket of the Nation is on the verge of losing this sobriquet as farming communities are being steadily wiped out by sustained acts of terror. Prof. Hon will develop a new-age cultural model that will bring change.

‎The mining sector is where he will act positively. His government will take bold steps that will enhance solid mineral exploitation, bringing order, security and development.

‎ Ensuring citizens’ safety is, therefore, his major concern. As it is often said, nothing can be done if insecurity persists. Tackling mass atrocities in Benue State is what the Prof. Hon must do above every other thing. The gubernatorial aspirant is already holding consultations on how to deal with the menace head-on, not waiting until he takes office.

‎Infrastructure deficit hinders development and Prof. Hon is very conscious of this. He is committed to addressing Benue State’s infrastructure gaps.

‎Keeping the youth engaged is a job every sensible government must do. The incoming government will provide opportunities for the youth to be gainfully engaged. This it intends to do by encouraging investments and giving the people the right training.

‎Sports will get a boost under a Prof. Hon-led administration. Even as a private person, he has been sponsoring various sports events. The Sebastine Hon Unity Cup in Gboko has been running for over a decade.

‎Above all, the new government will promote inclusiveness where all voices are heard and all citizens are valued.

‎Prof. Hon has already garnered huge support due to his impressive record of good deeds. He has been described as a man of love, peace and kindness with decades of philanthropy – helping people without asking where they are from. He has also fought countless cases of injustice for the less privileged in Nigeria.

‎These selfless acts have earned him accolades like Emere Nsan Nsin Ebo 1 of Aleto, Sema Wan u Tiv, and Zege Igba u Mbatiav. Since he expressed interest in becoming governor, various individuals and groups have urged him on, calling him the best man for the job.

‎In one of such solidarity visits on Feb. 5, Prof. Dugeri Terzungwe expressed strong confidence in the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, describing him as a purposeful, courageous and justice-oriented leader capable of steering Benue State toward progress.

‎With Prof. Hon in PDP, all is set for a purposeful, eventful and glorious journey to Government House Makurdi in 2027.

‎Prof. Hon’s track record as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and his commitment to justice and fairness have earned him a very good and positive stand in the race to the Benue State top office.

‎As Benue State prepares for the 2027 elections, Prof. Hon’s momentum is undeniable. He no doubt is the one to turn the tide for Benue State. Truly, PDP has got the Power!

‎Atonko is the author of Bleeding Roads