POLITICS, ETHNICITY AND MORALITY NEED NOT COLLIDE

Politics, ethnicity and morality are interrelated dimensions of human existence, yet distinct from one another. While politics revolves around power, ethnicity embodies collective identity, and morality dictates principles of right and wrong, they often intertwine, creating complexity in decision-making and responsible citizenship.

Society evaluates conduct based on moral standards, rewarding responsible behaviour and discouraging actions harmful to the common good. This suggests that laws and institutions alone cannot ensure social order; mutual trust, shared values, and a sense of duty towards others are also necessary.

However, some argue that politics should be exempt from moral scrutiny because of its practical demands. This viewpoint, associated with Niccolò Machiavelli, emphasizes the realities of governance over ideal expectations for rulers. Political leaders face competing interests, uncertainty, opposition, and security concerns, which may sometimes necessitate decisions that contradict conventional moral expectations.

While political expediency can justify challenging choices, it should not serve as a blanket excuse for corruption, deception, oppression, or power abuse. Citizens must retain the right to assess their leaders based on principles of justice, integrity, and accountability.

Ethnic identity, too, is neither inherently virtuous nor morally objectionable. It can foster a sense of belonging, preserve cultural heritage, and promote solidarity. Yet, when ethnic loyalty becomes an unquestionable obligation, people may defend wrongdoing by members of their group or distrust others simply for belonging to a different community.

Ethnic solidarity does not equate to moral blindness, just as national unity does not require cultural identity abandonment. As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, the challenge is not to eliminate politics or ethnicity, but to ensure neither overrides moral responsibility. Nigerians can support candidates from their ethnic community, provided their choice is based on genuine political convictions, reasoned judgement, and legitimate interests, without compromising honesty, justice, competence, and the common good.

Opposition to a candidate from one's ethnic group should not be seen as betrayal or disloyalty. Neither Charles Soludo nor David Umahi should be viewed as Igbo traitors solely because their political positions differ from those of other members of their ethnic community. In a democracy, political allegiance is an individual matter, not an obligation imposed by ethnic belonging.

Ethnicity does not automatically confer merit, nor does belonging to another ethnic group imply unworthiness. The relevant questions should be what candidates stand for, the values they uphold, their conduct in public office, achievements, and potential contributions to the country. These factors, rather than ethnic ancestry, should guide political evaluation and choice.

Ultimately, regardless of ethnic differences, political persuasion, or personal convictions, all Nigerians share the aspiration for a prosperous, just, and inclusive society that fulfills its potential. Responsible citizenship requires recognising the distinct purposes of politics, ethnicity, and morality, and refusing to confuse political advantage or ethnic solidarity with moral rightness.