Must We Agree on Everything to Work Together? A Message to Nigerian Politicians ~The GrandMaster

In the aftermath of every election cycle in Nigeria, it seems we return not to the drawing board of nation-building, but to the trenches of tribalism, personal vendetta, and political bitterness. Alliances are severed. Friendships are destroyed. And what should be a healthy political rivalry often degenerates into generational enmity. But must it be so?

Across the Atlantic, Elon Musk — one of the most powerful voices in global innovation — supported Donald Trump during his re-election bid. That’s no secret. Yet, despite their ideological and temperamental differences, Musk does not shy away from criticizing Trump. Nor does Trump silence Musk when he disagrees. They engage, challenge, and sometimes mock each other. But crucially — they still communicate.

This is political maturity. This is democracy at work. It is not about blind loyalty or eternal opposition. It is about issue-based disagreement and principled collaboration.

Now, I ask: Are Nigerian politicians following Elon Musk?

Do they understand that disagreement is not war? That democracy is not a zero-sum game? That our national interest must rise above party lines and personal grudges?

We must stop this obsession with total victory and absolute loyalty. Nigeria is not a battlefield of egos. It is a country in dire need of unity, innovation, infrastructure, justice, and economic revival. To achieve this, we need leaders who can sit at the same table with those they disagree with, and talk, not fight.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for all the criticism he receives, has shown glimpses of this political maturity. His early outreach across party lines, his attempt to unite even estranged former allies, and his focus on consolidating political stability in a highly polarized Nigeria, these are not signs of weakness, but wisdom. We can disagree on policies. But we cannot afford to disagree on Nigeria’s survival.

Let every politician, every youth leader, every power broker remember this: Your opponent today may be your ally tomorrow. The people are watching. History is recording. And posterity will judge.

Let’s learn from Musk. Let’s learn from Tinubu. Let’s learn to disagree, and still move Nigeria forward.

By Mazi Onyeani Kalu

Political Scientist |

Promoter of Good Governance