Dear politicians, I write to you this brief letter as a patriotic and law abiding citizen who has as much stake as you in this most populous black country known as the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This letter has become pertinent as we (Nigerians) are once again approaching another elective year (2027) and the atmosphere is already brimming with political activities ahead of the national contest, as evident by political parties, their flag bearers and supporters beating their campaign drums to woo the electorates for the winning votes.

First of all, I commend every political contestants running for various leadership offices at all levels (national, state and local government) in our dear country for availing themselves to lead in public service. I believe that act alone is a demonstration of patriotism to serve and contribute to the growth of our dear country. If that is the case then your campaigns should be guided by "love for country" as expressed in your speeches that are devoid of violent vituperations and unguided comments that tend to create division rather than unite the people. Remember, your first duty as a politician in public office is to be a leader of all, irrespective of your religious, political, and business affiliations.

Secondly, as a politician, your emergence as a candidate under the umbrella of your political party is to solve problems or champion affordable solutions to existing and future problems. If that is true, then all campaigns should be issue-based and driven by a sound articulated mind to convince the electorates who desire to be more informed on who to cast their votes for. As such, it is an error to based your campaign speeches on subjective or emotional arguments when you are expected to demonstrate intelligence, creativity and focus. 

Thirdly, as a politician seeking to occupy public office, it is an acknowledgement that your life will no longer be a private affair as your actions will be subjected to public scrutiny. What this means is that if you hate criticism, then politics is not for you. From the moment you declare your interest, your life will be investigated, especially by oppositions who are desperately seeking evidences to discredit your candidacy before the electorates. It is not that they hate you. It is because the electorates deserve someone they can trust to secure their common wealth. As such your life becomes an open book . 

Fourthly, despite running under the platform of any political party or as an independent candidate, your priority in governance should be the welfare Nigerians foremost—not your party members, godfathers, or sponsors. The Nigerian state should not bow to any citizen but the generality of her citizens. They are the ones in whose hands lie the power and for whom you will take an oath to serve and protect on the day of your inauguration. What this also means is that the best brains must be recruited as part of your leadership team to deliver on the mandates or promises you made during the campaigns, not the offer of positions as compensation to party members and other private interest groups who have no experience or intelligence to deliver on the job.

Lastly, as a true politician that you should be, your journey to serve your country does not end because you lost after the declaration of the results of an election. It is instead the beginning. As a true patriot you should join hands with the winner(s) to make Nigeria great! Instead of choosing the path of antagonism or hatred, you should always seek constructive engagements with leaders on issues that affect the country. You should only go public when such a door is closed or those in the corridors of power become power drunk.

I end this piece with an urgent appeal and counsel to Nigeria politicians: there is a time for everything. Now that it is time for campaigns, they should do it in a constructive and engaging manner. When the elections are over and governance begins, always put the interest of the people first. Also, to lead in public office should not be a do or die affair. If the people choose you, fine. If they fail to choose you, life will certainly go on, as that is never the end for you. 

But above all that have been said, let every Nigerian politician be sober or in the mood of reflection as they head to the polls because the current state of the country is not one to be proud of. With the resources at the country's disposal, Nigeria is supposed to have made significant improvements and progress in infrastructure, power, health, education, etc. not a breeding ground for corruption, which is the only thing that is thriving in almost all the governments that have emerged over the last few decades This has got to stop if Nigerian politicians are a seriously determined to make a difference in the history of this country.