Shehu Warns Nigerians Against Taking Sides In Political Conflicts

Public affairs commentator Mahdi Shehu has cautioned Nigerians against getting entangled in political conflicts, warning that blind loyalty to politicians often ends in disappointment.
Shehu gave the warning in a post on X account Monday, drawing lessons from the burial of the mother of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

Reflecting on the event, he said it exposed what he described as the true nature of politics and politicians, where alliances shift easily and personal interests take precedence.

He urged supporters to be wary of politicians whose primary focus, he said, revolves around power, fame and influence at all costs.

“Be careful about politicians all over the world because nothing is permanent about them,” he stated.

Shehu advised Nigerians not to take sides in political battles, noting that politicians often reconcile with their rivals while leaving their supporters to bear the consequences of their actions.

“Don’t ever join them to fight their opponents, friends or perceived enemies because they will make you regret your actions,” he warned.

According to him, many politicians abandon loyal supporters after using them for personal gains, quickly aligning with former critics when it suits their interests.
“Most politicians will dump, ignore and avoid you even after doing the dirtiest job for them. They forget those who fought for them but quickly embrace those who once abused them,” he said.

Citing the burial as an example, Shehu observed that individuals previously regarded as political adversaries gathered to pay their respects, with El-Rufai welcoming them warmly.

He described such gestures as insincere, arguing that political actors often display “fake love, fake condolences and fake sympathy” despite past hostilities.
Shehu further warned that politicians sometimes incite supporters to attack perceived enemies, only to later reconcile with those same individuals.

“Politicians will incite their followers to insult and abuse others, only for one day to see them together in a friendly mood,” he said.

Drawing comparisons beyond Nigeria, he noted that some American politicians who once criticised Donald Trump are now part of his inner circle.

He added that in Nigeria, several politicians who previously spoke harshly against President Bola Tinubu are now members of his administration.
Shehu maintained that political alliances are fluid and often driven by personal interests rather than national considerations.

“It is never for God and country but as part of an IOU to cash in later,” he said, warning that such arrangements are often accompanied by underlying grudges and future calculations.