OLD RULERS: HOW NIGERIA KEEPS RECYCLING POWER

<blockquote>I was going to write on how your vote doesn't count, but you all going to think I'm going crazy. Now keep reading.</blockquote> In 2006, the then EFCC Chairman, Nuhu Ribadu, appeared before the Nigerian Senate and spoke about corruption among state governors. Some of the names linked to the allegations at the time included: <ul><li>Orji Uzor Kalu</li><li>Bola Ahmed Tinubu</li><li>Ahmed Sani Yerima</li><li>Godswill Akpabio</li><li>George Akume</li><li>Chimaroke Nnamani</li></ul> Twenty years later, in 2026, something interesting stands out. Most of these men are still among the most powerful politicians in Nigeria. Orji Kalu is now a Senator.Ahmed Sani Yerima is still a Senator.Chimaroke Nnamani became a Senator.George Akume is now the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.Godswill Akpabio is the Senate President.And Bola Ahmed Tinubu is now the President of Nigeria. What makes it even more surprising is that Nuhu Ribadu himself, the man who publicly raised those corruption concerns years ago, is now serving as National Security Adviser under President Tinubu. This is Nigeria. <h2>THE REAL PROBLEM</h2> The biggest issue is not even the allegations themselves. In law, accusations are not the same as convictions. Everyone deserves fairness. But the real problem is how Nigeria’s political system works. In many countries, serious corruption allegations can end a politician’s career. Public trust drops, parties distance themselves, and voters demand accountability. In Nigeria, it often works differently. Many politicians survive scandals and still become more powerful. Some even gain more influence after controversies. The system seems to reward political connections, loyalty, and control more than accountability. That is why the same names keep appearing in power year after year. Governors become senators.Senators become ministers.Ministers become presidential allies.Political enemies suddenly become friends. The cycle never really ends. <h2>NO PERMANENT ENEMIES IN NIGERIAN POLITICS</h2> One thing Nigerians have noticed over the years is that politics here has very few permanent enemies. People who once attacked each other publicly can later sit at the same table smiling together. Political fights are often less about ideology and more about power and influence. Today’s critic can become tomorrow’s appointee.Today’s investigation can become tomorrow’s alliance. Meanwhile, ordinary Nigerians continue facing hardship, unemployment, insecurity, and rising costs of living. And many people are left wondering:Does accountability truly exist in Nigeria? <h2>“YOUTHS ARE THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW”</h2> For decades, Nigerian youths have been told they are the “leaders of tomorrow.” But tomorrow never seems to come. The same political class from the late 1990s and early 2000s still controls major positions today. Young Nigerians are active in business, entertainment, sports, and technology. They are building global brands and creating opportunities for themselves. But politically, many still feel locked out of the system. And when younger people finally enter politics, they often end up joining the same old structures they once criticised. That is why many young Nigerians are frustrated. <h2>NIGERIA HAS NORMALISED TOO MUCH</h2> Perhaps the most dangerous thing in Nigeria today is how quickly people move on from serious issues. A politician is accused today.Tomorrow he changes party.Next week he gets a new appointment.A few months later, everybody forgets. Nothing shocks Nigerians anymore because Nigerians have seen too much. And that is dangerous for any democracy. Because once people stop believing in accountability, they also stop believing in the system itself. <h2>THE BIG QUESTION</h2> The real issue is not just about Ribadu, Tinubu, Akpabio, Kalu, Yerima, Akume, or Nnamani. The real question is: Why does Nigeria keep recycling the same political class no matter the controversies, scandals, or public complaints? Until Nigerians answer that question honestly, the cycle may continue for many more years. And maybe that is why people joke that if somebody explains Nigeria to you and you fully understand it, then your brain should be studied by scientists. Because sometimes, Nigeria feels less like a country run by systems and more like a never-ending circle of familiar names and familiar stories.

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