2027: POLITICS, ETHNICITY AND MORALITY NEED NOT COLLIDE

The challenge facing political discourse is not to sever ties between politics, ethnicity, and morality, but to ensure that none of these intersecting elements override moral responsibility, asserts GODWIN SOGOLO. Politics pertains to the acquisition, exercise, and distribution of power; ethnicity denotes a collective identity rooted in shared ancestry, history, and culture; while morality provides the guiding principles by which actions are judged right or wrong, just or unjust, and responsible or irresponsible.

Sogo-Logo emphasizes that society encourages responsible behavior and discourages actions that harm the common good through positive reinforcement or punishment. However, he acknowledges the belief that politics should be immune from moral scrutiny due to its practical complexities and demands. This viewpoint is closely tied to Niccolò Machiavelli's analysis of political power, which prioritizes the realities of governance over idealized expectations of how leaders should act.

He argues that political leaders face competing interests, uncertainty, opposition, and national security concerns, necessitating decisions that may deviate from conventional moral expectations.

Nonetheless, Sogo-Logo insists that political conduct remains susceptible to moral evaluation. While political expediency may justify difficult choices, it cannot be used as a pretext for corruption, deceit, oppression, or abuse of power. Citizens must maintain the right to assess their leaders based on principles of justice, integrity, and accountability.

Similarly, ethnicity is neither inherently virtuous nor morally reprehensible. It can foster a sense of belonging, preserve cultural heritage, and promote solidarity. However, ethnic loyalty can become problematic when it compels individuals to defend wrongdoing by group members or harbor distrust towards those from different communities.

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, Sogo-Logo contends that the key challenge is to prevent politics and ethnicity from eclipsing moral responsibility. While Nigerians are free to support candidates from their own ethnic backgrounds, this affinity should not be the deciding factor in political choices. He states that supporting Bola Tinubu as a Yoruba person or Peter Obi as an Igbo person is acceptable, provided the support is grounded in genuine political convictions, informed judgment, and legitimate interests, without compromising honesty, justice, competence, or the common good.

Moreover, Sogo-Logo cautions against opposing a candidate from one's own ethnic group as an act of betrayal or disloyalty. He asserts that Charles Soludo and David Umahi should not be considered Igbo traitors for their differing political positions or choices. In a democracy, political allegiance is an individual matter, not a duty derived from ethnic affiliation. He further emphasizes that belonging to one ethnic group does not imply unworthiness, just as belonging to another group does not guarantee merit.

Ultimately, the relevant considerations in political evaluation and decision-making should focus on candidates' stances, values, public conduct, achievements, and potential contributions to the nation. Factors such as ethnic ancestry should not unduly influence political judgments. Sogo-Logo urges citizens to apply consistent, objective standards of judgement to themselves, allies, and opponents, avoiding the compromise of fairness due to ethnic sentiment, personal interests, or political affiliations.

Ultimately, the shared aspirations for Nigeria's prosperity, justice, inclusivity, and fulfillment of potential necessitate responsible citizenship that respects the distinctions between politics, ethnicity, and morality.