Politicians: The Epitome of Absurdity

By Mobolaji Sanusi

“Politics is the only profession where you can lie, cheat, and steal, and still be respected.” — Samuel Langhorne Clemens (Mark Twain, 1835–1910)

The statement may appear striking, but it reflects a reality that many observers see in the political landscape of Africa. The article focuses on the case of Senator Hope Uzodimma, who has recently expressed a desire to move from the governorship of Imo State to the Senate during the 2027 electoral cycle.

Uzodimma, the incumbent governor of Imo State, was first placed in office following a Supreme Court ruling that awarded him the seat after the 2023 election, in which he finished fourth. He secured a second term in an off‑season election and will remain in office until January 15, 2028. Despite this, he has announced plans to run for the Senate seat representing Imo West in the January 2027 general election.

In a post on his X account last Sunday, Uzodimma said that the “people of Imo West Senatorial District have once again called upon him to serve” and that he had accepted the “noble call with utmost humility, sincerity of purpose, and unwavering commitment to the collective advancement” of their interests.

He has stated that his motivation for seeking a Senate seat is to “support President Bola Tinubu through quality representation, effective legislation, enhanced development, and sustainable progress.” This statement appears to conflict with his earlier claim that his constituents were urging him to leave the governorship for the Senate.

Critics question whether Uzodimma’s stated goal of supporting the president aligns with the interests of his own district and the nation. They argue that a senator’s primary responsibility should be to represent constituents while maintaining allegiance to the country as a whole.

Some observers point to the principle of separation of powers, as articulated by Montesquieu in *The Spirit of Laws* (1748), and suggest that a sitting governor should not seek a legislative seat while still in office. They question why a governor with significant executive authority and two years remaining in his term would pursue a Senate position, potentially aiming for the Senate presidency.

As governor, Uzodimma has control over substantial state resources, including monthly allocations, internally generated revenue, grants, and loans. Critics argue that he could use these resources to benefit his constituents more directly than he could as a senator, who would rely on federal oversight and budget allocations.

Some commentators describe Uzodimma’s ambition as “desperate and inordinate,” citing Proverbs 16:9, which states, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.”

Constitutionally, Uzodimma’s term as governor ends on January 15, 2028. If he wins the Senate seat in January 2027, he would have to resign from the governorship and vacate the office in June of the following year. This move would set a precedent of a governor leaving office to pursue a legislative role while still in the middle of a term.

The article notes that Nigeria currently lacks a political elite that upholds democratic institutions. It references a statement by the former Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who said, “If we really want to fix this country, we need to have class. The ruling class must have values beyond stomach infrastructure… Nigeria currently has highly educated people in government who behave like illiterates by turning themselves to praise singers… where professors and doctorate holders are seen clapping for mediocrity.” The comment is presented as a symptom of deeper systemic issues.

The article concludes that the APC’s decision to allow a sitting governor who is still in office to seek a Senate seat is a “mockery of democracy and its cherished values.” It calls for action to curb what it describes as a politically outrageous ambition.

• Sanusi, former MD/CEO of Lagos State Signage & Advertisement Agency, is currently managing partner at AMS RELIABLE SOLICITORS (WhatsApp Only-07011117777).