People get into political parties, not because of any ideological beliefs, but just because, let’s say political and economic beliefs
Kingsley Wali, a former member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, has expressed deep concern over the growing trend of self-serving politics in Nigeria, stating that the majority of Nigerians who venture into politics do so for personal economic benefits rather than for ideological commitment or genuine public service.
Speaking during a live radio programme monitored in Port Harcourt, Wali criticized the nature of political engagement in the country, arguing that the original intent of politics — which is to secure power for the purpose of delivering good governance and public welfare — has been grossly undermined by greed and personal ambition.
According to Wali, since the beginning of Nigeria’s Third Republic, the political landscape has been increasingly dominated by individuals who view political office as a pathway to personal enrichment, rather than a platform for service and nation-building.
Wali said, “I think that to a large extent, it is important that we situate whatever that is happening in Rivers State within the context of the bigger Nigerian political ecosystem, which what is happening in Rivers State is a reflection of whatever is happening nationally.
“It is nothing strange; it is nothing new. Unfortunately, it is not historical. This is because we are involved in governance without principles. I am sorry, but that’s what the truth is.
“People get into political parties, not because of any ideological beliefs, but just because, let’s say political and economic beliefs.
“But, it is still important that, I have no problem with what they try to benefit from the process, the primary responsibility of politics is to acquire power to be able to deliver on governance.
“But, unfortunately, since the Fourth Republic especially, it started tickling in from the Third Republic, our politics has been one that is based on absolute selfishness, greed and laziness. It has never been about governance.
“So, if people are in politics without a guiding principle of ‘I want to go and serve the people’, in all honesty, it is not right.”
Wali’s remarks highlight a growing public concern about the erosion of political values and the absence of a clear ideological direction among Nigeria’s political class.
He emphasized the need for a fundamental shift toward principled leadership and value-driven governance in order to rebuild public trust and deliver meaningful development.