Consistency vs. Convenience: Lessons from Nigeria’s Season of Defections, “Critique of A Nation of Defectors”.
By Dr. G. Fraser. MFR. The National Patriots
April 29, 2025
Veteran columnist Lasisi Olagunju, in his piece “A Nation of Defectors” (Nigerian Tribune, April 28, 2025), sparked intense national reflection on the role of loyalty, sacrifice, and consistency in politics. Anchoring his analysis around President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Olagunju contrasts the President’s resilient rise to power with the opportunism of recent political defectors — particularly from Delta State — who abandoned their parties under pressure.
The article frames Tinubu as a master strategist who refused to jump ship even when threatened with arrest, denial, and betrayal. Instead of lashing out, Tinubu made deliberate sacrifices, waited patiently, and focused on building political coalitions that would later crown him President.
“Tough times don’t last, only tough people do,” Olagunju writes, capturing Tinubu’s refusal to sabotage his party, even when personal ambition could have justified it.
He recalls Tinubu stepping back from a Senate bid in 2007 to protect Lagos State, and how he let go of a vice-presidential ambition in 2015 to preserve party unity. These moments of restraint, Olagunju argues, show true leadership under pressure.
Defection and the Politics of Betrayal
Olagunju draws on military history and classical theology to denounce defection as betrayal. Citing William May and the etymology of the words “betrayal” (tradere in Latin, paradidomi in Greek), he labels party defectors as deserters who abandon their post for personal gain — often weakening the very institutions they once vowed to serve.
“A trainee who jumped ship would sell his craft to the enemy if put in the cockpit,” he warns, suggesting that defectors are unreliable and dangerous to democratic stability.
He further critiques a system that rewards such opportunism, warning that splits and side-switching corrode the internal discipline of parties, likening a fractured political structure to a dying army.
Critique: Governance Gains Must Be Recognized
While Olagunju’s celebration of Tinubu’s political discipline is laudable and historically grounded, his claim that “the genius in politics is not felt in governance” misses several major developments. In fact, since assuming office, President Tinubu has initiated far-reaching reforms, many of which are already reshaping the foundations of Nigeria’s governance and economy:
1. Security and Counterterrorism
Contrary to perceptions of inaction, the Tinubu administration has made significant moves to address Nigeria’s insecurity crisis:
Over N3 trillion has been committed to national security in the 2024 budget.
Bilateral defense agreements with Turkey, Brazil, and Qatar have been signed to support counterterrorism operations, drone production, and domestic arms manufacturing.
The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) is now being repositioned for local production of weapons and equipment.
Emphasis has been placed on intelligence sharing, border control, and modern military infrastructure.
These actions reflect a systematic approach to security reform, not mere rhetoric.
2. Economic and Social Welfare Reforms
President Tinubu’s economic strategy involves tough but necessary decisions:
Subsidy removal and exchange rate unification were implemented to halt fiscal hemorrhage and restore investor confidence.
The Federal National Consumer Credit Platform (FNCCP) was launched to protect Nigerians from arbitrary price hikes — especially in food stuff and essential goods.
The government has launched a mobile-based education loan platform, allowing students to access financial aid instantly from their phones — a major breakthrough in digital inclusion.
Small business grants and microcredit schemes are now available for artisans, women, and youth entrepreneurs.
Food hubs and agricultural incentives, including widespread irrigation projects and dam construction, are tackling food inflation and enhancing local production.
A State of Emergency on Food Security has already been declared, emphasizing the urgency with which the administration is addressing hunger.
These programs may not be fully felt yet, but they show clear intent: Nigeria is being rebuilt from the ground up.
Power Is a Tool for Progress
Governance expert Dr. Amiida Fraser, MFR, provided a critical insight that frames the ongoing political strategy:
“A President of any nation needs power without distraction in order to succeed in governance. Tinubu is trying to consolidate power now so that from 2027 onward, he can focus fully on reform delivery. Nigerians must understand this strategy — it is about results, not revenge.”
This perspective reframes Tinubu’s political maneuvers — not as raw hunger for dominance, but as a necessary shield to protect the reform agenda from sabotage and instability.
Global Examples: Patience Produces Results
Nigeria is not the first country to endure hardship under reformist leadership. There are clear examples globally of how initial sacrifice yielded long-term prosperity:
Ghana – Jerry Rawlings led painful IMF reforms in the 1980s. Public anger was high, but by the 1990s, Ghana became West Africa’s economic success story.
Rwanda – Paul Kagame, despite criticisms of centralization, rebuilt Rwanda through disciplined governance, infrastructure, and healthcare — today among the most stable nations in Africa.
India – Narendra Modi introduced currency reforms, subsidy cuts, and digital finance. Protests followed, but India emerged more transparent and resilient.
UK – Margaret Thatcher implemented tough liberalization policies in the 1980s. Short-term suffering led to long-term economic stability and global competitiveness.
Indonesia – Joko Widodo (Jokowi) pushed infrastructure and tax reforms, resulting in a surge in growth and investor confidence.
These cases show that reform takes time, resilience, and strong leadership.
Conclusion: Nigeria’s Turn to Be Patient
Olagunju’s call for political integrity is important. His admiration for Tinubu’s consistency is honest. But his claim that governance is faltering under Tinubu ignores the long-view strategy of rebuilding a broken system.
Good leadership often involves painful but necessary decisions — like parents enforcing tough love for their children’s future. What Nigeria is experiencing is transitional discomfort — the price for long-delayed reforms.
As Dr. Amiida rightly said, consolidating power now is a means to reduce distractions and ensure reforms are completed. And as seen globally, with public patience and unity, Nigeria too will reap a harvest of stability and prosperity.
For those who endure today, a better Nigeria is not just possible — it is within reach.
Dr. G. A. Fraser. MFR
The National Patriots.
