A well-known political strategist and Group Chief Executive Officer of Global Investment and Trade Company, Baba Yusuf, has stated that a significant number of Nigerians who venture into politics do so primarily for personal survival and economic benefits, often referred to as “stomach infrastructure.” Speaking during an interview on Prime Time, a programme aired on Arise Television, Baba Yusuf explained that many politicians enter the political space not out of ideological commitment or public service, but with the intention of securing personal comfort and access to state resource. According to him, this mindset explains why politicians frequently defect to the ruling party. He noted that rather than building influence gradually or contributing meaningfully within their original political platforms, many politicians prefer to align themselves with the party in power to make political and financial gains easier. Baba Yusuf pointed out that the current wave of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC) mirrors what happened years ago when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) controlled the federal government. He stressed that this pattern is not new in Nigerian politics but a recurring trend shaped by the political character and behavior of many office seekers. He further remarked that although supporters of the PDP may find the observation uncomfortable, the party appears to be losing relevance when viewed against Nigeria’s present political realities. He attributed this decline to long-standing political habits where loyalty is often determined by access to power rather than principles. The political analyst emphasized that historical records clearly show similar movements in the past. During the PDP’s dominance, particularly at a comparable point in time, the party also commanded the allegiance of more than 20 state governors. This dominance, he said, encouraged mass political realignments similar to what is currently being witnessed. Baba Yusuf concluded by reiterating that these repeated shifts highlight a deeper issue within Nigeria’s political system one rooted in the disposition of politicians who prioritize personal benefit over ideology, consistency, or long-term national development.
