Politicians are Nigeria's Problem, Not Solution – Ozigbo

Intro: Walk through any market in Lagos, Kano, or Port Harcourt, and you'll hear it – the weary sigh of a nation grappling with soaring prices, flickering lights, and promises that feel as thin as the air itself. Every day, Nigerians wake up to a new challenge, a fresh hurdle in the race for survival. It's in this crucible of daily struggle that former Anambra State governorship candidate, Valentine Ozigbo, has thrown a political firecracker, declaring what many have whispered in hushed tones: our leading political figures – President Bola Tinubu, Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso – are not the solution, but rather, part of Nigeria's complex, entrenched problem. His words echo the frustrations of millions who feel trapped in a political merry-go-round, watching the same old faces deliver the same old outcomes while the nation’s foundational cracks deepen.

What Is Happening on the Ground

Ozigbo, speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Monday, didn't pull any punches. He asserted that Nigeria's political woes aren't confined to a single party or an individual’s missteps; they are systemic, a rot that has permeated the entire political landscape. He argued passionately that the widespread lack of morality isn't an APC exclusive, but rather a national ailment affecting the Labour Party, the NDC, and virtually every other political platform. This isn't just a political academic's musing; it’s a sentiment that resonates deeply with the average Nigerian struggling to put food on the table. When the cost of garri doubles overnight, or the national grid collapses for the umpteenth time, the blame, for many, isn't just on the person currently in power, but on a succession of leaders who have failed to lay a solid foundation for prosperity and stability. Ozigbo’s intervention serves as a stark reminder that the 'new wine in old bottles' approach to leadership has left many Nigerians disillusioned, particularly the youth who are often promised a brighter future only to inherit compounded challenges.

‘There’s no difference between Tinubu, Obi, and Kwankwaso and co. That’s what I see; they are problems right now,’ Ozigbo stated unequivocally. ‘I am saying this because the younger generation needs to wake up and stop outsourcing their destiny to people who, in some cases, have contributed to the problems of Nigeria, while expecting them to fix it. We need to remind young people that they are the ones who will ultimately rebuild this country. I have lost confidence in the older generation to drive the kind of change Nigeria needs.’

The Main Issues

Ozigbo’s stinging critique spotlights a fundamental ailment plaguing Nigerian politics: a profound 'dearth of morality'. This isn't merely about personal integrity; it’s about a system where public service often morphs into personal enrichment, where accountability is a rare commodity, and where the welfare of the citizenry takes a backseat to political maneuvering and self-preservation. This moral bankruptcy manifests in various forms: from the brazen corruption that siphons funds meant for schools and hospitals, to the blatant disregard for the rule of law, and the transactional nature of elections where votes are often bought, not earned through merit or policy. The unfortunate reality is that many Nigerians have grown accustomed to a political class that operates with impunity, perpetually recycling itself across different parties, promising change but delivering more of the same. The promises of 'renewed hope' or 'new Nigeria' often ring hollow when the underlying structures of governance remain unchanged, and the same individuals, with their historical baggage, continue to dominate the political space. This perpetuates a cycle of disappointment, fostering a deep-seated cynicism that discourages active and meaningful participation from those who genuinely seek progress.

The Impact on Daily Life

For the ordinary Nigerian, these high-level political pronouncements translate directly into the grind of daily existence. When politicians prioritize power over people, the consequence is a nation where basic amenities are luxuries, and survival is a daily battle. Consider the market woman in Enugu whose perishable goods spoil due to erratic electricity supply, or the young graduate in Kaduna whose entrepreneurial dreams are stifled by exorbitant fuel costs and lack of access to capital. The removal of fuel subsidies, though perhaps economically necessary in theory, has unleashed an unprecedented cost-of-living crisis, pushing millions deeper into poverty. Transportation fares have skyrocketed, impacting everything from commuting to work to the price of foodstuffs. Healthcare, already struggling with underfunding and brain drain, becomes even more inaccessible as families can no longer afford rising medical bills. Education, once seen as a ladder out of poverty, is increasingly privatized and expensive, leaving millions of children behind. Beyond the economic hardship, there's the pervasive issue of insecurity – kidnappings for ransom, communal clashes, and banditry have made travel perilous and farming a risky venture, further disrupting livelihoods and shattering peace of mind. These are not abstract political debates; these are the lived realities of a people whose hopes have been repeatedly dashed by a political leadership that Ozigbo argues, shares more similarities in its failings than differences in its rhetoric. The call for youth to 'wake up' isn't just a motivational slogan; it's a stark recognition that their future is literally being shaped – or unshaped – by a generation of leaders who have, in many respects, reached the limits of their capacity to transform the nation.

NIGERIA: COST OF LIVING SNAPSHOT (2022 vs. 2024)

Note: Prices are approximate and vary by location and market dynamics. Data reflects general trends.

What Needs to Be Done

Ozigbo’s message is a clarion call, especially to Nigeria's vibrant and increasingly frustrated youth demographic. It’s a powerful invitation to move beyond passive observation and into active participation. The solution, he implies, doesn't lie in continually 'outsourcing' their destiny to the very individuals or systems that have contributed to the nation’s predicaments. Instead, it demands a radical shift: for young Nigerians to understand and embrace their ultimate responsibility in rebuilding the country. This means not just showing up on election day, but engaging critically with policies, holding elected officials accountable, demanding transparency, and actively participating in community development. It also means fostering a new generation of leaders rooted in genuine morality, innovation, and a profound commitment to public service, rather than personal gain. The 'old guard' has had its chance, and their repeated failures have created an urgent imperative for new thinking, fresh energy, and an unyielding commitment to a Nigeria that works for all its citizens. The time for waiting for a messiah is over; the time for collective, youth-driven action has arrived, urging them to lead the charge in crafting a Nigeria where meritocracy, accountability, and genuine progress are not just ideals, but daily realities.