By Dr. UM Edoho (ICECN)
Senior Member, Institute of Global Peace and Conflict Management
In politics, interest is the ultimate rule. Politicians and leaders expect unwavering loyalty from their subordinates because governance, policymaking, and leadership depend on strategic alliances that protect collective or individual interests. When a subordinate fails to safeguard these interests, it can be seen as disloyalty, insult, and senseless insubordination. This dynamic is evident across political systems, including Nigeria and the United States, where betrayals, power struggles, and shifting alliances have shaped political histories.
- Nigeria: The Case of Governor Godwin Obaseki and Adams Oshiomhole
A classic example of this principle in Nigerian politics is the fallout between Governor Godwin Obaseki and Adams Oshiomhole in Edo State.
Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo State and then National Chairman of the APC, played a key role in ensuring Obaseki’s election as his successor in 2016.
However, once in power, Obaseki began making independent decisions that Oshiomhole felt undermined his political influence.
When Obaseki refused to align with Oshiomhole’s interests, their relationship soured. Oshiomhole and his allies moved to deny Obaseki the APC governorship ticket in 2020, leading to Obaseki’s defection to the PDP, where he won re-election.
This case illustrates how, in Nigerian politics, a subordinate (Obaseki) who was expected to protect the interest of his political godfather (Oshiomhole) instead chose independence. From Oshiomhole’s perspective, this was an act of disloyalty and insubordination, leading to a bitter political battle.
- Nigeria: Bola Tinubu and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo
During the 2023 presidential primaries in Nigeria, the political relationship between Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo tested the concept of loyalty and interest.
Tinubu, a political kingmaker, was instrumental in Osinbajo’s selection as Vice President under Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
When Tinubu declared his ambition to run for president, many expected Osinbajo to support his bid. Instead, Osinbajo also contested the APC presidential primaries.
Tinubu’s loyalists saw this as a betrayal of political interest and disloyalty, as Osinbajo was perceived as a direct beneficiary of Tinubu’s political network.
This scenario showcases how subordinates in politics are expected to remain loyal to their benefactors. When they challenge their superior’s interests, it is viewed as political insubordination, triggering conflicts and strained relationships.
- United States: Donald Trump and Mike Pence (2021 Capitol Riot Incident)
In the United States, a striking example of political loyalty versus personal integrity was seen during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot and the fallout between former President Donald Trump and his Vice President, Mike Pence.
Trump wanted Pence, in his role as Senate President, to overturn the 2020 presidential election results during the certification process in Congress.
Pence, however, refused, citing the U.S. Constitution and his legal obligations.
Trump and his supporters saw this as a betrayal of loyalty and interest, with Trump publicly condemning Pence, leading to some rioters chanting, “Hang Mike Pence!”
This case highlights how, even in a democracy like the U.S., political interest often demands loyalty, even when it conflicts with legal and ethical principles. Pence’s refusal to prioritize Trump’s interest over the Constitution resulted in a severe political rift, illustrating how subordinates who fail to protect their leader’s interest can be seen as disloyal, even when they are legally right.
- United States: Kevin McCarthy’s Downfall as Speaker of the House (2023)
The U.S. House of Representatives also provides an example of how political alliances collapse when interests diverge. Kevin McCarthy, who became Speaker in January 2023, was ousted later that year—an unprecedented event in U.S. history.
McCarthy, a Republican, secured the Speakership with support from hard-right conservatives but later negotiated a budget deal with Democrats to prevent a government shutdown.
His move angered members of his own party, particularly Rep. Matt Gaetz and other far-right Republicans, who saw this as a betrayal of their shared conservative interest.
Gaetz and his allies led a vote to remove McCarthy, making him the first U.S. Speaker to be ousted by his own party.
This case illustrates that in politics, when a leader fails to secure the interest of key supporters, loyalty can vanish, and power can be stripped away swiftly.
Conclusion: Interest Over Everything in Politics
From Nigeria to the United States, these examples show that politics is a game of interest, and loyalty is expected to align with those interests. Whether it’s Obaseki vs. Oshiomhole, Osinbajo vs. Tinubu, Trump vs. Pence, or McCarthy vs. his party, the pattern is the same:
When a subordinate aligns with their leader’s interest, they remain in favor.
When they challenge or abandon that interest, they are seen as disloyal, rebellious, or politically useless.
As Dr. UM Edoho rightly states, in politics, failure to protect the interest of a superior is not just seen as disloyalty—it is an insult and senseless insubordination that often leads to political downfall.