Why ruling party politicians should stop using public assets and coercing civil servants, religious and traditional leaders into becoming campaign tools
By ABANIKANDA OLUMORO (UK)
The message is simple: public assets belong to the public, civil servants serve the people, and traditional rulers belong to their communities—not to any political party.
As Nigeria gradually moves towards another election season, there is a need to remind politicians, particularly those in the ruling party at all levels, that public assets, civil servants, religious and traditional rulers are not campaign tools to be deployed for partisan political interests.
Democracy thrives when political competition is fair, institutions remain independent, and every contestant has a reasonable opportunity to present their programmes to the electorate. Unfortunately, when those in power use government resources and public institutions to advance their political ambitions, the playing field becomes uneven, weakening public confidence in the electoral process.
Government vehicles, public buildings, official funds and other state resources belong to the people, not to the political party in power. Using them for partisan campaigns amounts to placing public resources at the service of private political interests. Those who occupy public offices must understand that they are temporary custodians of the people’s mandate, not owners of the state.
The same principle applies to civil servants. Public officers are employed to serve the government of the day and the people, irrespective of political affiliation. They should not be intimidated, coerced or compelled to attend political rallies, mobilise voters for a particular candidate or contribute financially to partisan activities. Their loyalty must be to the Constitution, the law and the public interest.
Traditional rulers deserve particular protection from partisan political manipulation. These revered institutions have historically served as custodians of culture, peace and community cohesion. Their influence cuts across political parties, religious differences and personal interests. When politicians turn palaces into campaign centres or pressure traditional rulers to publicly endorse candidates, they risk undermining the neutrality and moral authority of these institutions.
A traditional ruler who is perceived as belonging to one political camp may find it difficult to mediate disputes involving supporters of opposing parties. This could weaken the palace’s ability to unite the community, especially during tense election periods.
This is not to suggest that traditional rulers should avoid receiving politicians or discussing matters affecting their communities. They have every right to engage government officials and political candidates on development, security, education, healthcare and other public concerns. However, receiving politicians should not be confused with surrendering the traditional institution to partisan interests.
Politicians in the ruling party must also recognise that occupying public office confers responsibility, not unlimited privilege. Their performance should be the foundation of their campaigns, rather than the misuse of state resources or the exploitation of institutions that belong to all Nigerians.
Opposition parties must equally respect these principles. No political party should use public assets, civil servants or traditional institutions for partisan advantage, whether it is in power at the federal, state or local government level.
Ultimately, elections should be won through credible programmes, responsible leadership, transparent engagement and the free choice of voters. The people must remain the ultimate judges of those seeking their mandate.
Nigeria’s democracy will be stronger when public resources are protected, civil servants are allowed to perform their duties without political pressure, and traditional rulers are respected as unifying figures rather than recruited as instruments of political mobilisation.
The message is simple: public assets belong to the public, civil servants serve the people, and traditional rulers belong to their communities—not to any political party.
