The controversy surrounding the emergence of political candidates through what has been popularly described as the “Ben Johnson way” raises important questions about political decency, internal party democracy and respect for the rule of law in Nigeria.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State reportedly admitted in a video that he joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) without an established political structure but eventually emerged through what he described as the “Ben Johnson way.”
This has generated questions about the place of political structure, party loyalty and established democratic procedures in the pursuit of public office.
One may therefore wonder whether the same political approach is being contemplated in the reported ambition surrounding the office of the President of the Senate.
It is important to remind political actors that the Senate Presidency is not a vacant position waiting to be claimed through political manoeuvring. Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, is the incumbent President of the Nigerian Senate.
Akpabio, a former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, is a seasoned lawyer and an experienced political leader with considerable experience in executive and legislative responsibilities.
Political ambition is legitimate in a democracy. However, the pursuit of political power must be guided by constitutional provisions, party regulations, fairness and respect for democratic institutions.
The recent Federal High Court judgment concerning the APC senatorial primary in Imo West, involving Governor Hope Uzodimma and former Governor Rochas Okorocha, further underscores the importance of allowing the judiciary to perform its constitutional responsibilities.
The judgment, which declared Okorocha the winner of the disputed primary, serves as a reminder that political processes are subject to judicial scrutiny. No political office or ambition should be pursued at the expense of due process.
DUE PROCESS PRODUCES CREDIBLE LEADERSHIP
One of the greatest advantages of following due process in politics is that it provides a credible pathway for identifying competent, qualified and experienced individuals for leadership positions.
When political parties respect their constitutions, conduct transparent primaries and allow members to participate freely in candidate selection, they strengthen the foundation of democratic leadership.
Leadership positions, particularly those as important as the Senate Presidency, require individuals with the necessary experience, capacity, knowledge of legislative procedures and ability to provide effective leadership.
Such qualities should be carefully considered through legitimate democratic processes rather than sacrificed on the altar of political calculations, personal interests or backdoor arrangements.
The quality of leadership a nation produces is significantly influenced by the integrity of the process through which its leaders emerge.
The so-called Ben Johnson way may produce political surprises, but it cannot be a permanent substitute for democratic principles. Political shortcuts do not always work, and where the law provides clear procedures, those procedures must be respected.
Nigeria needs a political culture where leaders emerge through transparent processes and compete with ideas, integrity, experience and verifiable democratic support rather than relying on political manoeuvring.
Ultimately, political power belongs to the people and must be exercised within the framework of the Constitution. Political leaders must understand that influence and ambition do not place anyone above the law.
Politics must be played with decency, humility and, above all, the fear of God. The Ben Johnson way should never become a licence to circumvent the law or undermine democratic institutions.
The survival of our democracy depends not only on who occupies political offices but also on whether the processes leading to their emergence command public confidence, promote competent leadership and respect the rule of law.
Nigeria deserves leaders who emerge through due process, not political shortcuts. Democracy must be guided by principles, not desperation for power.
Chief Edet Isong
Newsday Newspaper