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RESTORING TRUST BETWEEN OFFICE HOLDERS AND PARTY STRUCTURES


By Shuaib Babatunde Adebayo (Optimistic)

In the current political space, a concerning situation has continued to unfold, particularly among office holders. Many office holders after assuming office, tend to build and operate with a separate group of loyalists loyal to them personally rather than to the political party that brought them into power. This group is often tightly controlled and managed by the office holder, creating a parallel structure that overshadows the original party framework.

It is important to emphasize that political offices are not won by individuals alone, but through the collective efforts of the party structure. These political structures are the backbone of every electoral victory. They mobilize voters, engage communities, campaign tirelessly, and defend the party’s mandate before, during, and after elections. Without these structures, most office holders would not have emerged victorious.

However, it has become common practice for some office holders, once in power, to prioritize their personal loyalists over the established party structure. Benefits, appointments, access to resources, and political opportunities are often channeled to this inner circle, while the party members who labored during the election period are sidelined. This approach undermines the very foundation of party politics and weakens internal cohesion.

This situation is not how democratic party politics is meant to function. The political structure that worked hard to ensure the emergence of the office holder should naturally enjoy the dividends of governance more than a newly formed loyalist group. When party members are neglected, it discourages participation, breeds resentment, and threatens the survival and unity of the party itself.

For political parties to remain strong and relevant, office holders must recognize and respect the role of party structures. Governance benefits should be inclusive and fair, with priority given to those who sacrificed time, resources, and energy to secure electoral victory. When party structures are rewarded and empowered, loyalty is sustained, trust is built, and the political system becomes healthier and more stable.

Former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, speaking at the 2025 Lagos APC Stakeholders Forum, drew a clear link between internal party motivation and broader political engagement, stressing the need to properly recognise and engage loyal party members. In his address on voter apathy and the sanctity of elections in Nigerias democracy, Fashola asked, “What is our own party reward system like. How do we even network with ourselves.” He explained that political party participation depends on enthusiasm and commitment, and that strengthening the party reward system is essential to keep members active and loyal. He also raised concern about whether the party maintains a proper register of members that can be used to mobilise and support those who work for the party at all levels.

In conclusion, for democratic party politics to truly succeed, especially at the local government level, the practice of pushing aside established party structures in favour of personal loyalist groups must end. Political parties must promote fairness, inclusion and recognition so that those who worked for electoral victories are not forgotten after power is won. When party structures are respected and rewarded, unity is strengthened, confidence is restored and the political system becomes more stable and sustainable for the future.

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