Examining the Disruptive Impact of ‘Fight,’ ‘Grab,’ ‘Snatch’ and ‘Run with It’ Dynamics in Today’s Nigerian Politics -By John Egbeazien Oshodi

In his capacity as the then-presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2023 elections, Bola Tinubu issued a compelling directive to top campaign operatives. Operating from his base in London, Tinubu underscored the urgency of aggressively pursuing political power, urging a determined approach to securing influence. His message, conveyed through a video, strongly advocates for the necessity to “fight” for power, “grab” it, “snatch” it and “run with it,” showcasing a resolute commitment to achieving political objectives through any necessary means.

Within the intricate landscape of Nigerian politics, influential figures like Bola Ahmed Tinubu, now holding the position of Nigeria’s president, wield a transformative influence that transcends mere electoral dynamics. This influence has the power to mold the nation’s trajectory, leaving an enduring imprint on the ethical foundations of political behavior. Tinubu’s utilization of assertive language, urging campaigners to “fight,” “grab,” “snatch” and “run with” power, has set off a chain reaction of consequences reverberating throughout the political landscape. These consequences penetrate the psychological attitudes, ethical norms, and societal dynamics within the Nigerian political sphere, instigating profound shifts with implications that extend far and wide.

The seemingly resolute language chosen by Tinubu carries the potential to shape the psyche of political actors, introducing a psychological conditioning that inadvertently transforms political engagement from a cooperative endeavor into a combative pursuit. This subtle nuance in language has the potential to normalize confrontations, encouraging aggressive tactics as an acceptable means of achieving political goals.

Beyond its surface meaning, the implicit message of “grabbing” and “snatching” power carries profound implications for democratic norms, potentially contributing to a perception that established democratic processes can be bypassed or that extreme measures are justified in the pursuit of political goals. This becomes particularly concerning when considering the prevalence of corruption during elections. The rhetoric could inadvertently create an environment where unethical practices, such as open vote buying, are not only tolerated but perceived as acceptable strategies.

The normalization of such unethical practices, including the open buying of votes, is a direct consequence of the potentially permissive atmosphere created by assertive political language. This trend compromises the integrity of elections, eroding trust in the democratic process, and contributing to a negative international image of Nigeria’s political climate. The casual acceptance of corrupt practices can lead to an erosion of ethical standards, with voters and political actors becoming desensitized to behaviors that undermine the democratic ideals the nation aspires to uphold.

As consequences, states like Kogi and Rivers, in recent times, have become vivid manifestations of political chaos and control by all means. The use of aggressive tactics has led to violent acts and property destruction, creating a volatile political landscape. In states like Osun, Ondo, and Kano, the manifestation of political tension and power struggles serves as further evidence of the tangible impact of the Tinubu factor. These states become arenas where the ‘Fight,’ ‘Grab,’ and ‘Run with It’ dynamics play out, resulting in a palpable atmosphere of uncertainty and contention.

The impact of forceful political language extends to the judiciary, where politicians are reported to shop for specific courts, compromising the sanctity of legal processes. The insidious influence of political figures in the judiciary can lead to biased judgments, eroding public trust in the legal system. This compromises the fundamental tenet of justice being blind, as the perception grows that court decisions may be swayed by political affiliations rather than an impartial application of the law.

The influence of strong political language has also manifested in the entanglement of security forces in electoral malpractices. Reports of law enforcement officers being seen in the company of thugs or individuals forcefully taking ballot boxes paint a troubling picture of compromised security during elections. This intertwining of law enforcement and individuals engaged in illicit activities further erodes the integrity of the electoral process, posing a threat to the very foundation of a fair and democratic society.

A troubling aspect of the electoral process is the reported practice of police picking political opponents during elections. This egregious violation of democratic principles undermines the very foundation of free and fair elections. When law enforcement and the courts become a tool for suppressing political opposition, it not only erodes the democratic fabric of the nation but also instills fear, hindering the open expression of political views.

In conclusion, the use of aggressive language in politics, especially from influential leaders, should be approached with caution. While such words may be intended to convey determination, they can carry the unintended consequence of normalizing aggressive behavior, corrupt practices, compromised judiciary, and the misuse of law enforcement to target political opponents. Leaders bear a responsibility to communicate with clarity, emphasizing democratic values, ethical conduct, and the importance of fair and transparent electoral processes. Discouraging the use of language that may be misinterpreted or contribute to a negative political culture is essential for fostering a healthy and robust democratic environment in Nigeria. It is imperative to recognize the profound impact that words can have on shaping the ethical fabric of a society and to actively work toward language that promotes democratic values and discourages behaviors detrimental to the democratic process.

 In this intricate web of political dynamics, the ‘Fight,’ ‘Grab,’ ‘snatch’ and ‘Run with It’ dynamics, when unpacked, reveal not just the immediate consequences on election outcomes but also the enduring impact on the nation’s democratic health and ethical resilience. The manifestations in states like Kogi, Rivers, Osun, Ondo, and Kano serve as poignant reminders of the tangible consequences of the assertive language encapsulated by the Tinubu factor, unraveling a complex web of political chaos, violent acts, and power struggles in the Nigerian political sphere.

As we navigate the intricate terrain of political dynamics, it is crucial to reflect on the profound lessons embedded in the Tinubu factor. Unraveling the ‘Fight,’ ‘Grab,’ ‘Snatch,’ and ‘Run with It’ dynamics exposes not only their immediate impact on election outcomes but also their lasting influence on the democratic fabric and ethical strength of our nation. In the ongoing influence of assertive political language, a call echoes for a moral and psychological awakening.

The use of the word “fight” within a political context carries the potential for misinterpretation, as it may be construed as a call to engage in confrontational and possibly violent behavior. In an already charged political environment, such language holds the risk of being misconstrued by both supporters and opponents alike.

Similarly, the encouragement to “grab” power implies a disposition toward employing questionable and potentially unethical practices to achieve political objectives. This raises legitimate concerns about the fairness and integrity of the electoral process. The advocacy to “grab” power may also signify a disregard for democratic norms, suggesting a willingness to bypass established processes and thereby undermining the fundamental principles of free and fair elections, eroding trust in democratic institutions.

The inclusion of ‘snatch’ power, with its connotations of forceful and possibly coercive tactics, further amplifies the apprehensions surrounding the political process. This term underscores the potential for a contentious and non-consensual acquisition of power, which not only heightens concerns about ethical standards but also risks undermining the very foundations of democratic governance. The deployment of such language emphasizes the importance of fostering a political discourse that upholds democratic values, ethical conduct, and the principles of fairness and transparency.

Furthermore, the deployment of aggressive language has the potential to escalate political tensions, fostering an environment in which opponents are perceived not as competitors but as enemies. This shift in perception can contribute to a more polarized society, hindering constructive political discourse and impeding the pursuit of common goals.

On an international scale, the use of forceful language contributes to a negative perception of the political climate in Nigeria. This unfavorable perception may have repercussions on diplomatic relations, international investments, and the country’s standing on the global stage. It underscores the importance of employing language that fosters understanding and collaboration rather than contributing to an atmosphere of hostility and discord.

Leaders, positioned as architects of our national narrative, carry a weighty responsibility to select their words with utmost consideration. In the crucible of political discourse, let rhetoric be tempered with an awareness of its far-reaching consequences. I am painfully asking myself, can the likes of Ezenwo Nyesom Wike listen to and truly heed the counsel of Tinubu, who is the political creator of the “fight” for power, “grab” it, “snatch” it, and “run with it” mentality? Advocating for action need not be synonymous with aggression, and the pursuit of power need not abandon the principles of ethical conduct. The psychological influence inherent in assertive language should be wielded with a conscious understanding of its potential, not only to shape the immediate political climate but also to mold the moral character of our society.

In this tempest of political storms, we must anchor ourselves to the pillars of democratic values, ethical conduct, and transparent electoral processes. Let us resist the normalization of aggressive tactics, corrupt practices, and the compromise of our judiciary and security forces. The very essence of democracy rests not only on the mechanisms of governance but on the moral and psychological foundation that underpins our collective aspirations.

As citizens, let us demand a discourse that uplifts rather than divides, that inspires rather than instills fear. The power of our collective voice can redirect the course of political narratives, compelling leaders to articulate their visions in a language that aligns with the aspirations of a nation yearning for integrity, justice, and ethical leadership.

In the crucible of the Tinubu factor, let us emerge not as victims of circumstance but as architects of change. By wielding the power of our collective will, we can reshape the narrative, fostering a political culture that celebrates democracy, embraces ethical conduct, and safeguards the psychological well-being of our nation. May our journey through the corridors of politics be guided by a moral compass, navigating us toward a future where the ‘Fight,’ ‘Grab,’ ‘snatch’ and ‘Run with It’ dynamics are replaced by a collective commitment to the ideals that define a resilient and truly democratic Nigeria.

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, who was born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, to a father who served in the Nigeria police for 37 years, is an American-based police and prison scientist and forensic, clinical, and legal psychologist. A government consultant on matters of forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA; and a former interim associate dean and assistant professor at Broward College, Florida. The Founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation, Center for Psychological Health and Behavioral Change in African Settings. In 2011, he introduced state-of-the-art forensic psychology into Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, where he served in the Department of Psychology as an Associate Professor. He has taught at various universities and colleges including Florida memorial University, Florida International University, Broward college, Lynn University, and a contributing faculty member at the Weldios university in Benin Republic, Nexus International University, Uganda, Nova Southeastern University and Walden University in USA. He is a Human Rights Psychologist with a focus on African related environments. john.oshodi@mail.waldenu.edu