*(Lessons from Politics, Leadership, and Life)*
*By Jerome Aduojo Agi, Ph.D.*
Politics is one of the most fascinating yet deceptive arenas of human existence. It has the capacity to make ordinary people feel extraordinary, the unknown become celebrities, and the powerless appear untouchable. Political office often creates an illusion that influence will last forever, that friends will remain loyal indefinitely, and that today’s authority is permanent. History has repeatedly demonstrated that this assumption is one of the greatest mistakes any political leader can make.
*Power is temporary. Influence is conditional. Positions are transient. Relationships built on genuine trust and mutual respect are enduring.*
The moment political office is acquired, telephones ring endlessly, visitors fill waiting rooms, invitations multiply, and favours are sought from every direction. Many mistakenly believe this sudden attention is a reflection of their personality or greatness. In reality, much of it is directed toward the office they occupy rather than the individual behind the title.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, this reality deserves careful reflection by every political office holder, aspirant, and influential stakeholder.
When political resources, appointments, contracts, goodwill, and opportunities flow abundantly because of the position you presently occupy, remember that this season will not last forever. Wise leaders use periods of influence to build lasting political structures, develop competent successors, mentor younger leaders, and create networks of loyal, capable people who will remain relevant long after the office has changed hands.
*Money is important, but human wealth is far more valuable than financial wealth.* Money can disappear through economic downturns, political transitions, or unforeseen circumstances. Genuine relationships, however, appreciate in value with time. A trustworthy ally, a grateful beneficiary, or a leader whose life you helped shape may become your greatest support when political fortunes change.
*Today’s political influence should therefore be invested in people.*
This period leading to and immediately after the 2027 elections presents enormous opportunities. Many individuals will seek appointments, recommendations, contracts, employment, endorsements, and political support. While extending assistance, every leader should also think strategically about the future. Every favour rendered should strengthen enduring relationships founded on competence, integrity, and mutual respect rather than mere political convenience.
*Your future political relevance will largely depend on the human structure you deliberately build today.*
No political empire survives without people.
Leaders must equally beware of political jobbers, fair-weather associates, opportunists, and what many describe as the “necessary evils” of politics. These individuals remain loyal only while benefits continue to flow. Their commitment often ends the very day power changes hands. Distinguishing genuine allies from political merchants requires wisdom, discernment, and patience.
History provides countless examples.
Many years ago, a Minister reportedly travelled to Lagos on an official assignment representing the President . While he was still airborne on his return journey, news of his removal from office became public. The official convoy that had gone to receive him reportedly turned back after learning of his dismissal. Upon arrival in Abuja Airport , he discovered he was no longer a Minister and had to arrange his own transportation after being informed of his removal. Whether remembered for its symbolism or its circumstances, the story reminds us how quickly political privilege can disappear.
Likewise, , there was a National Chairman of the then Nigeria’s ruling party who was cajoled into resigning his position by the President. He eventually left office despite previously enjoying immense authority and Influence .
Political transitions have also illustrated how relationships between business and politics can change rapidly. During Nigeria’s 2015 Presidential transition, many observers noted how political alliances and access shifted almost overnight as power changed hands.
Recent events following the departure from office—and later the passing—of a former President also reminded many Nigerians that the constant flow of calls, visits, and attention often reduces dramatically once political authority no longer exists.
These examples reinforce one timeless lesson : *Political Power is borrowed, never owned.*
The wise therefore learn from the experiences of others instead of becoming future examples themselves.
As the saying goes, learning from other people’s mistakes is far less costly than becoming the lesson others study.
Every leader should intentionally use today’s influence to help competent people secure opportunities in business, the civil service, elective offices, executive appointments, professional careers, and leadership institutions. *Societies advance when experienced leaders deliberately prepare others to succeed them.*
Admittedly, not everyone you help will remain loyal. Some beneficiaries will disappoint expectations. Some may even oppose you in the future. Yet this should never discourage the continuous investment in people. Leadership has always involved calculated risks. If out of one hundred people only a handful remain faithful, those few may eventually become the pillars that sustain your legacy when circumstances change.
*Never stop building people simply because some failed to appreciate your investment.*
Above all, continue building and preserving meaningful relationships. They remain life’s greatest investment. Wealth may disappear. Businesses may collapse. Political offices may end. Positions may be withdrawn. But relationships built on trust, honour, integrity, and mutual value frequently outlive generations.
Many respected personalities— like President Tinubu, General Yakubu Gowon, Atiku Abubakar, the Dantatas, MKO Abiola, the Ibrus, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe, Aminu Kano, IBB, Prof. Jerry Gana etc —demonstrate, in different ways, the enduring value of broad networks, long-term relationships, and sustained influence beyond formal office.
Political office should therefore be viewed as a platform for service rather than personal entitlement; as an opportunity to build enduring institutions rather than temporary empires.
Remember these timeless principles :
– Make hay while the sun shines.
– You make your bed before you lie on it.
– Build people before power leaves you.
– Relationships are worth more than temporary positions.
– Human capital remains the greatest political investment.
– Influence earned through character outlives influence granted by office.
When the curtain eventually falls on every political career—as it always does—the true measure of success will not be the convoy, security details, titles, or privileges once enjoyed.
It will be the lives transformed, the leaders raised, the institutions strengthened, and the relationships that remain standing long after political power has departed.
That is the legacy of true statesmanship.
