2 hours ago
2
Public affairs commentator Mahdi Shehu has warned Nigerians against becoming deeply embroiled in political conflicts, saying such loyalty often ends in regret.
Shehu issued the warning in a post shared on X on Monday, reflecting on lessons from the burial of the mother of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai.
According to him, the event revealed what he described as the true nature of politics and politicians.
“Be careful about politicians all over the world because nothing is permanent about them, especially if their focus is power, fame and influence at all cost,” he said.
He cautioned supporters not to take sides in political battles, stressing that politicians often move on and reconcile, leaving their followers behind.
“Don’t ever join them to fight their opponents, friends or perceived enemies because they will make you regret your actions forever,” he added.
Shehu noted that many politicians have a tendency to abandon loyal supporters after using them.
“Most politicians will dump, ignore and avoid you even after doing the dirtiest job for them because they forget those who fought for them but quickly embrace those who abused them,” he said.
He pointed to the burial event as an example, highlighting how people once considered enemies came together.
“Just notice how those considered to be El-Rufai’s enemies and detractors trooped to the burial ground shedding tears, and how he welcomed them,” he said.
He also described the display of unity among politicians as insincere.
“Sworn political enemies from different backgrounds came together to express what I call fake love, fake condolences and fake sympathy after abusing each other in public,” he stated.
Shehu further warned that politicians often encourage their supporters to attack others, only to later reconcile with those same people.
“Politicians will incite their followers to insult and abuse others, only for one day to see them together in a friendly mood, reducing the supporter to an idiot,” he said.
To support his argument, he cited examples from both Nigeria and abroad.
“Some American politicians who abused Donald Trump are now part of his inner cabinet,” he said.
He added that in Nigeria, “many politicians who once used harsh words against Bola Tinubu are now part of his government, acting like nothing happened.”
Shehu also suggested that political alliances can change rapidly, even among rivals.
He claimed that just as the Sultan is reportedly making moves for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, some of El-Rufai’s perceived enemies may also begin efforts to support him in the future.
However, he warned that such relationships are often driven by personal interest rather than national good.
“It is never for God and country but as part of an IOU to cash in later,” he said.
He added that vengeance always lurks nearby.
Don’t fight politicians’ battles – Mahdi Shehu warns supporters
