When we defend wrongdoing because it comes from our political camp, we become part of the problem we complain about.
Sometimes, I sit back and wonder why we reason the way we do as Nigerians. Why do we condemn an action when our political opponents commit it, yet suddenly become lawyers, public relations officers and defenders when the same action comes from someone we support?
Welcome to the world of selective judgment, where right and wrong depend not on principles but on whose side we belong to.
Consider our political landscape. When a politician from an opposing party makes a controversial decision, supporters quickly condemn it. They demand explanations, accountability and, sometimes, resignation. But when their preferred politician does something similar, the same people suddenly discover excuses. They blame the opposition, attack critics or remind everyone of the previous administration’s failures.
The question is simple: Do we genuinely oppose wrongdoing, or do we only oppose wrongdoing committed by people we dislike?
This contradiction deserves serious reflection.
Democracy thrives when citizens hold leaders accountable regardless of party affiliation. Political parties may have different ideologies, policies and approaches to governance, but certain principles should remain universal. Corruption should be condemned wherever it occurs. Abuse of power should attract scrutiny regardless of who benefits. Broken promises should invite questions, whether the politician wears our party’s colours or those of our opponents.
Unfortunately, political loyalty often overwhelms common sense. Instead of examining policies and demanding measurable results, some citizens become emotionally attached to political personalities. Their preferred candidates can do little wrong, while their opponents can do little right.
The consequences extend beyond social media arguments.
When citizens defend questionable decisions without examining their consequences, they weaken the pressure that should compel public officials to perform. When political supporters attack one another over leaders who may never know their names, public attention shifts away from the real issues: unemployment, insecurity, poor healthcare, inadequate education, infrastructure and the rising cost of living.
Ironically, ordinary Nigerians who face similar economic difficulties can become bitter enemies because they support different politicians.
Meanwhile, the politicians they defend may belong to the same social circles, negotiate political alliances and pursue common interests when circumstances demand it.
This raises an important question: who truly benefits when citizens fight one another instead of demanding answers from those in power?
Of course, political differences are normal in a democracy. Supporting a candidate is not a crime, and defending a policy is not necessarily blind loyalty. Leaders deserve recognition when they deliver meaningful results.
However, support must never become a licence for misconduct. A responsible citizen can appreciate a leader’s achievements while questioning failures. Criticism is not necessarily hatred, just as praise is not proof of loyalty.
Could our culture of selective judgment be one of the obstacles to Nigeria’s development?
It may not explain every challenge facing the country, but it can certainly weaken accountability and encourage political leaders to believe that loyalty matters more than performance.
Development requires more than elections and political slogans. It requires citizens who can think independently, examine evidence and demand results without fear or favour.
Perhaps the change Nigeria needs begins with a simple decision: to judge actions by the same standards, regardless of who performs them.
The next time your preferred politician makes a questionable decision, pause before defending it. Ask yourself whether you would accept the same action from an opposing politician.
If your answer changes depending on who is involved, perhaps the problem is not only with the politicians.
Perhaps we, too, have some thinking to do.
After all, a nation cannot consistently demand accountability from its leaders while excusing the very behaviour it condemns in its opponents.
This is A Talk in the Park. Let’s talk, think and grow together.
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