Bello Mohammed
Senator Shehu Sani recently stated on his X handle that “The opposition should fight and struggle for power within the borders of our country. Seeking foreign help for regime change in a democratic setting is wrong.”
His remarks were reportedly made in response to allegations that the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) engaged a lobbying group in the United States to revisit the long standing Chicago drug related controversy involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. While every Nigerian is entitled to express an opinion, I find Senator Sani’s position disappointing because it appears to overlook the political history of our country and applies different standards to similar situations.
If the principle is that no political party or opposition group should seek foreign influence in Nigeria’s democratic process, then that principle must apply equally to everyone, regardless of political affiliation. Democracy is strengthened when political actors are consistent in defending national sovereignty and democratic values. Selective outrage weakens the credibility of those making such arguments and creates the impression that what is condemned today was acceptable when it benefited another political camp.
Many Nigerians will recall that before the 2015 general election, there were widespread reports and public discussions about efforts by interests aligned with the then opposition APC to influence opinion in Washington DC regarding the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.
At the time, issues surrounding governance, security, human rights, and the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act signed into law by President Jonathan were part of international conversations involving the United States government. Whether one agreed or disagreed with those developments, it would be difficult to argue that foreign lobbying and international advocacy were absent from Nigeria’s political landscape during that period.
Similarly, it is no secret that governments across the world, including the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, engage professional lobbying firms in Washington DC and other international capitals to explain government policies, build diplomatic relationships, and improve their country’s image. Such lobbying is a recognised feature of international politics.
Therefore, it would appear inconsistent to criticize an opposition party for allegedly engaging foreign lobbyists while accepting similar efforts by those in government without raising comparable concerns.
The real contest for political power in Nigeria should indeed be won through the ballot box, through persuasive ideas, effective campaigns, and the confidence of the Nigerian people. No foreign government or lobbying organisation should determine who governs Nigeria. That responsibility belongs exclusively to Nigerian voters. However, the debate should be guided by facts, consistency, and fairness rather than partisan convenience.
Those who occupy positions of influence, especially respected public figures like Senator Shehu Sani, have a responsibility to speak in a manner that inspires confidence in democratic principles. Their interventions should encourage equal standards for all political actors instead of creating the impression that similar actions are judged differently depending on who is involved.
Democracy flourishes when fairness, objectivity, and accountability are applied without fear or favour.
Ultimately, Nigeria’s democratic future will not be secured by accusations and counter accusations alone. It will be strengthened by credible institutions, transparent elections, respect for the rule of law, and a political culture that values consistency over expediency. If seeking foreign influence is considered inappropriate, then it should be rejected regardless of whether it is done by the ruling party or the opposition. Equal standards remain the foundation of justice and the true test of democratic integrity.
