THE REWARD FOR STEADFASTNESS, CONSISTENCY AND LOYALTY TO POLITICAL PARTY
By Musa Bakare
In an era where political defection has turned into a popular trend, loyalty has become a rare commodity, and rarity in itself breeds value. When a political party begins the crucial task of selecting candidates for key positions, the question arises: who can they trust? Certainly not those who abandon ship at the first sign of trouble. Not those who deride the party one day and return the next. Not the fair weather politicians who seek rewards without making sacrifices.
The opportunities that lie ahead belong to those who stood firm during tumultuous times. The stability of democracy hinges on party loyalty. Political parties that prioritize and reward loyalty tend to foster a stable democratic culture. In contrast, parties that indulge in political opportunism are likely to self destruct under the weight of their own contradictions. Stable parties lead to stable governments, and stable governments create the foundation for national development. Loyalty therefore transcends being a mere moral virtue; it grows into a necessity for democracy itself.
Those who remain steadfast and committed to their political parties during trying times should unquestionably be the first to reap the rewards when these parties come into power. In the realm of Nigerian politics, nothing holds more value than loyalty. Not the noise of social media, not the uproar of fleeting controversies, nor the trend of political tourism.
Loyalty, after all, is the genuine currency of power. It is those who remain resolute when challenges arise who uphold the party’s integrity amid attacks and who persevere when victory seems elusive who ultimately rise to prominence. These are the individuals who are remembered when opportunities arise. Political success favors those who construct and contribute to their parties rather than those who merely seek to visit during favorable conditions.
Effective political leadership is often characterized by the ability to reward individuals who have stood strong in the face of adversity. Loyalty is never squandered; it is an investment that eventually yields returns. Political nomads cannot build enduring structures; they merely pop in and out when it suits their interests, rendering them untrustworthy in the eyes of steadfast political platforms.
Many of those who defected in search of immediate rewards face political insignificance, as they failed to cultivate genuine relationships within their parties. No serious leader, regardless of their generosity, will delegate significant political authority to someone who changes allegiances more frequently than one changes clothing.
Consistency serves as a testament to one’s character. It signals a deep rooted belief in a party’s ideology rather than a mere pursuit of convenience. A consistent politician can become a pillar of strength; conversely, an inconsistent one risks becoming a mere beggar for favors.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a prime example of a leader who has constructed his political legacy on the principles of consistency and loyalty. His strategic approach to political appointments will undoubtedly shape the dynamics of 2027. He prioritizes individuals with steady hands, rewards ideological commitment, and extends trust primarily to those who have never wavered in their allegiance.
As Nigerians move forward, the populace must collectively reject those who flit between parties, be it PDP, APC, SDP, or Labour, within a single election cycle, all the while expecting undue rewards for their inconstancy.
Voters are increasingly weary of political opportunism. Thus, political parties must also grow fatigued with emotional appeals and structures that rely on unstable actors.
As we look to 2027, conviction will triumph over confusion. Loyalty will eclipse mere loudness, and consistency will overshadow opportunism. When critical decisions are made in the political trenches, leaders will remember to select loyal warriors, not the loudest critics. Positions of power will arise for dedicated Commissioners, Special Advisers, Ward Coordinators, and Party Secretaries who have proven their allegiance and consistency
The era of emotional, sentiment driven, erratic political behavior must come to a close. Political parties are encouraged to operate with foresight and historical awareness, rewarding steadfastness rather than opportunism.
If you aspire to remain relevant in Nigerian politics over the long haul, prioritizing loyalty is essential. If you seek the trust of political leaders and opportunities for advancement, consistency is key. If you wish to ascend the political ladder, align yourself firmly with your party and its leaders, steadfastly supporting them through challenges and triumphs alike.
Musa Asiru Bakare
APC Member & Political Analyst Lokoja , Kogi State
November 17, 2025