Should There Be A Place For Ethics In Politics: A Case Study Of Nigeria

Should There Be a Place for Ethics in Politics: A Case Study of Nigeria

Amazu Chukwuebuka Kenechukwu

University of Lucerne, Frohburgstrasse Luzern, Switzerland.

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.909000623

Received: 12 September 2025; Accepted: 20 September 2025; Published: 23 October 2025

ABSTRACT

This paper explores the necessity of ethics in politics through a philosophical analysis applied to the Nigerian context. It argues that while individual morality is important, systemic corruption in Nigeria requires a greater emphasis on institutional ethics and collective action for good governance. The paper also argues that tackling Nigeria’s political challenges required institutional ethics rather than relying solely on individual morality. The study explores existing literature from philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, John Rawl in their contributions whether politics should be considered as a different thing from everyday activities, especially where morality applies, or whether ethical standards apply in politics as in everyday activities. Though individual morality among leaders is relevant, it’s still not sufficient in a system where institutions lack accountability, transparency, and ethical enforcement. The study method is philosophical, stretches to Africa political philosophy, ethics, and involves a critical examination of texts and ideas from African philosophers such as Kwasi Wiredu, Peter Ekeh, and Sophie Oluwole. The study concludes that ethics is not only compatible with politics but essential for building trust, upholding democracy, and achieving sustainable development.

Keywords: Ethics, Morality, Politics, Nigeria, Governance.

INTRODUCTION

Politics is a fundamental human activity, activities which are associated with the governance of a country, especially in managing resources, conflict among individuals or parties in quest to achieve political power. While ethics is seen as a character or customs, referring to the moral principles that govern an individual’s or group of individuals. The relationship between ethics and politics is relevant for the betterment of our society. Good ethics in politics are guided by virtues such as justice, honesty, transparency, commitment and accountability from leaders, citizens and other institutions in the society. Regard, there is this perception of how we view our politicians. For some, politics is seen as a “dirty game”, selfish for their personal interest, corrupt people, criminals in quest to achieve their selfish interest rather than the common goal of the society. This perception about politics and politicians has made it difficult to talk of ethics in Nigeria politics.

Ethical behaviour in our leaders needs to be expected and enforced. The pride associated with power corrupts people so easily. Funds are meant for government projects, and not personal gain. Ethics and transparency must apply equally to all leaders. If anyone misappropriates government funds, accountability demands swift action to uphold trust. Demanding accountability consistently across all parties demonstrates ethical integrity. Leaders must exemplify ethical and moral standards to restore public trust.

In this contemporary day society, these virtues are lacking. This is the reason why the former Head of State, President Shehu Shagari (1982) lamented the apparent moral bankruptcy in this manner. “No matter the economic, political or other advancement of any country, lack of commensurate progress in the evolution of its ethics is dangerous. A nation must have a conscience just as every human body must have a soul”. According to Vital (2002), ethics means moral code of conduct.

Lest we forget, we need to return to ethics in our politics and good governance without this, justice and peace will not stop eluding Nigeria. The question is do Nigeria politics have ethics that guide its governance. Many scholars have stated that ethics was never part of Nigeria politics, and no ethics was attached to Nigeria politics that anything goes just to survive political storms. On one hand, the ethics of Nigeria politics is to satisfy their personal interest not the interest of the citizens they are meant to serve.

On the other hand, weak ethics is the reason why some leaders walk-freely even with their criminal, and corruption cases. No conscience, no fear of law and that’s why moral values have been eroded in Nigeria politics.

Chinua Achebe stated that “the problem of Africa is simply and squarely one of political leadership”. The rank of many political leaders are thieves. They are individuals who are not interested in the interest of the country, and if we continue to elect such individuals to positions of power across Africa, they are going to be manipulated.

Purpose Of the Study

The purpose of this study is very significant because human beings need more answers to these questions: whether ethics is important in politics? What are challenges in politics when ethics is not applied? Can individual morality be enough to bring about the change our leaders required for development in Nigeria?

Objective of the study

The primary objective of the study is to view the possible relation between ethics and politics, and how ethics can help promote responsible governance, especially as it addresses Nigeria politics.

Meaning Of Ethics and Politics

Ethics exist independently of law. It’s doing what is right even when no one is observing you. Ethics which refers to well-founded standards of right and wrong that prescribe what humans ought to do. Ethics are the rules that social systems provide us and morals are the principles which we govern ourselves by.

Therefore, ethics is derived from the Greek word “ethos,” which means character or custom, referring to the moral principles that govern an individual’s or group’s behaviour. Ethics is a branch of philosophy that studies what is morally good and bad, right and wrong. It explores fundamental questions such as what people ought to do, and what they ought not to do.

Politics: Politics is more than a subject. It’s the foundation of our democracy and society. Politics is the set of activities that are associated with making decisions in groups, or other forms of power relations among individuals, such as the distribution of status or resources. Politics as the art of government is a governmental structure that is used to maintain the institution, society and stability of a nation. Politics is the general system of how things get done by the government in society. Therefore, the word politics is derived from “Polis” which literally means “city-state”. The Ancient Greek scholars and some philosophers used the word “politics” to mean the activities of citizens as members and operators of the state. In addition, politics is the process by which individual interests (desires, wants etc) are reconciled with collective action and the provision of some public goods.

According to Chris Ejizu, “politics is the act of governance, a dynamic process that entails the mobilization of human and other resources, managing, directing and enforcing the affairs of public policy and decisions toward the regulation of social order.” As it was stated above, we can see that politics is related to the state, management and allocation of human and material resources, as well as conflict resolutions. According to David Easton, politics is concerned with  “the authoritative allocation of values” for a society.

Concept Of Institutional Ethics

Institutional ethics are ethical principles or moral norms guiding the activities of political or government institutions. Institutional ethics build a system that enforces and ensures integrity, public trust, accountability and ensures justice in the society. This is why individual ethics is not sufficient, because it focuses solely on personal integrity, honesty and virtue, but institutional ethics enforces ethical behaviour irrespective of who is in power.

Key Features of Institutional Ethics

Ethical framework: It established a formal ethical framework or clear ethical framework to guide the activities of institutions and decision-making processes and question the political behaviour and punish misconduct from any leaders.

Accountability and Integrity: To ensure that institutions such as judiciary and anti-corruption agencies have the independence to hold political actors accountable and protect institutional reputation.

Moral agency: Creating an institution whose activity is to praise or blame political actors’ actions.

LITERATURE REVIEW

The research explores the work of philosophers on the historical context of ethics in politics. The relationship between ethics and politics dates to ancient civilizations. Philosophers like Plato, and Aristotle debated and contributed on the ideal form of governance and moral obligations of leaders. Plato advocated for an ideal state in his work The Republic.

This ideal state, according to Plato’s view, is to ensure justice, harmony, and the well-being of its citizens. Plato’s ideal state lies in the decision of a philosopher-king, an educated ruler with a deep understanding of the forms and the ability to discern absolute truth and justice. The philosopher-king will be supported alongside the guardians, a group of highly disciplined and educated individuals responsible for protecting and governing the state.

The primary purpose of Plato’s ideal state is to achieve justice and harmony. Justice is to be achieved when individual fulfils their prescribed role and contributes to the greater good of the society.

(https://www.gutenberg.org/files/1497/1497-h/1497-h.htm).

Aristotle, in “Politics,” explores the various forms of government and their ethical implications, emphasizing the importance of the common good

(https://www.gutenberg.org/files/6762/6762-h/6762-h.htm).

Aristotle’s “Politics” is a fundamental text in political philosophy that explores the nature of political life, citizenship, and the ideal state. He categorizes governments into three ideal forms such as monarchy, aristocracy, and polity alongside their corrupt counterparts such as tyranny, oligarchy and radical democracy, emphasizing the importance of ethical governance for the well-being of the citizens.

Aristotle argues that good citizenship is essential for a thriving political community. Aristotle’s politics remains influential, providing insights into the relationship between ethics and governance, and the importance of civic engagement in achieving a just society.

In politics, it is not enough just to have good intentions, but the tools and the process must also be ethical, according to Mahatma Gandhi termed as ‘SADHAN-SHUCHITA

This is proof that when ethics is applied, it gives room for accountability, justice, honesty, and trust, but when ethics is not there, corruption and injustice will become the game of politics.

METHODOLOGY

The research adopted a conceptual-analytical approach supported by qualitative case study analysis which involves a critical examination using African philosophical theories from Kwasi Wiredu, and Peter Ekeh in examining African political philosophy, ethics, and postcolonial theory. The paper also adopts a philosophical-analytical method, by engaging with both ethical and political philosophy to assess the challenges in Nigeria’s political system. Specific approaches are used, which involve a critical application of key concepts such as Justices in Plato, Ethics in Aristotle Nicomacheam.

Kwasi Wiredu, on his theory of Conceptual Decolonization stated

“It is only by such a reflective integration of traditional and the modern that contemporary African Philosophers can contribute to the flourishing of our peoples and ultimately, all other peoples.

Theory of two publics emerged out of Ekeh’s analysis of European colonialism in Africa which he described Nigeria as having

1. The primordial public (ethnic groupings)
2. The civic public (the state and its bureaucracies).

Ethnic groups existed in Nigeria or any other African countries as corporate entities, not as tribalized. It was dynamic, it moved up and down everywhere. It’s above false politics. They were not rigid. So, Peter Ekeh, spoke about the colonial versus the normal civic public. The colonial state was the civic public, but it’s also amoral, so what does the state mean here, civic public is understood as the location of oppression and violence, nobody respected it, and they don’t like the state. The state only exists because the people in power have monopolies and violence, so what people do is to go to the civic public to steal and enrich the primordial public. For Ekeh, primordial public is the moral fair, is a place where one gets a place of identity.

A Critial Examinations of Key Concepts Such As*The Plato in his book The Republic:

*The Plato in his book The Republic: Justice as the Goal of the Politics

Plato discusses the nature of justice, its role in the ideal state, and the concept of a just individual. He presents his vision of the ideal state governed by philosopher-kings, where citizens are categorized into classes based on their abilities and virtues. Plato emphasizes the importance of philosopher-kings who have the wisdom and knowledge to govern justly.

https://classics.mit.edu/Plato/republic.1.introduction.html

Analysis: In The Republic, he clearly states that only the Philosopher-King, someone who possesses the Rational Soul or Moral Virtues should rule the “Polis”. Plato sees no division between ethics and politics and stressed moral virtue as essential for just governance. Justice in the state happens when each class performs their roles virtuously. Plato’s ideas are more idealistic, focusing more on the perfect society.

*Aristotle in his text Nicomachean Ethics: Politics as Ethical Practice

In the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle describes his subject matter as ‘political science’, which he characterizes as the most authoritative science. It prescribes which sciences are to be studied in the city-state, and the others such as military science, household management, and rhetoric, which fall under its authority. Since it governs the other practical sciences, their ends serve as means to its end, which is nothing less than the human good. For Aristotle, in the Nicomachean Ethics, the aim of politics is the human good.

Analysis: Here Aristotle explores how best to live a virtuous life. He concludes that “the human good” is ultimately the goal to which all man’s actions aim. Aristotle views are more realistic, acknowledging the complexities of human nature. Aristotle supported ethical leadership but accepted compromises in governance.

*Immanuel Kant in his text: “Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals” (1785)

Kant in his text introduced the concept of the categorical imperative, a foundational principle in deontological ethics. This principle emphasizes that moral actions should be based on universalizable maxims, fundamentally shaping modern ethical thought.

Analysis: Kantian ethics, developed by Immanuel Kant, emphasizes morality based on duty and universal moral laws. It deliberates that actions should be guided by the categorical imperative, meaning they must be universally applicable. This approach values intent over consequences, contrasting with utilitarianism.

*Arendt Hannah in her text: The Human Condition

Hannah Arendt in her work on The Human Condition and The Origins of Totalitarianism, Arendt emphasized the inherent dignity of individuals and the importance of political freedom and ethical responsibility. She viewed the public sphere as a place where humans express their dignity through action, speech, and participation in collective life, which resonates with Christian humanism’s focus on the ethical potential of individuals. Arendt believed that humans have the capacity for moral judgment and political engagement, which aligns with the Christian humanist emphasis on moral responsibility.

Analysis: While she drew from a secular philosophical framework, her emphasis on human dignity, freedom, and the responsibility to act against evil reflects key Christian humanist concerns. She remains one of our most provocative moral and political theorists.

The Three Analytical Steps of the Study Are

1. Conceptual Clarification: Here, the ethical and political concepts (examples justice and ethical) were deeply examined, clearly defined and contextualized.
2. Contextual Application: The study systematically applied to Nigeria socio-political challenges, exploring the mode of corruption, weak institutions and leadership failures, not solely on individual moral lapses, because of a systemic ethical deficit.
3.  Normative Evaluation: Generally, after a series of analysis, deliberation and evaluation of the current political structures against the ethical norms which is obtained from the philosophical framework, the study identifies that institution reforms are relevant for political accountability and development rather than personal virtue.

 A Case Study of The Nigeria Political Context

Nigeria’s political system didn’t start breaking down yesterday, it’s not falling because of individual leaders, it’s falling because of a system that has normalised political blackmail, built a corrupt system, weakened institutions and weaponized power.

Some Specific Institutional Reforms to Promote Ethics

1. Strengthen Anti-Corruption Agency: By strengthening this agency to start acting and operate free from political leaders and being supported with funding and judicial backing.
2. Electoral Reform: We need bold reform of electoral transparency, independent institutions to enforce electoral laws strictly and ensure credible elections and ruling party becomes the only viable option through merit.
3. Judicial Reform: To make sure the executive arms of government are protected and be able to trial and persecute politicians who face charges and crimes.

Nigeria’s political system is collapsing, because we have weak institutions, and this is why we have placed so much emphasis on individuals. For Nigeria to overcome this political menace, reform must prioritize building ethical institutions that value integrity, honesty, and not solely hope for virtuous leaders.

Linking Philosophical Arguments to the Nigeria Political Context

The connection between the philosophical framework and the Nigeria political context will be addressed with examples from current events and Nigeria history. These examples demonstrate how systemic corruption, electoral malpractice and weak institutions are failures of institutional ethics. The philosophical argument for institutional ethics focuses that ethical governance should be rooted in a system, not basically in the virtue of individuals. Below are the various illustrations.

1. Corruption and the failure of institutional check: Corruptions have rooted deep in Nigeria political system, and are not from immoral individuals, but due to institutional breakdown for example.
2. Example of former minister of petroleum Resources (Diezani Alison – Madueke) under the Goodluck regime, embezzled billions of dollars from the oil sector. Due to weak enforcement institutions and politicized investigations, they neglected the public outrage, leading to delays in justice and accountability.
3. Budget for Project in National Assembly: Too many unfinished and uncompleted projects. Budgets for projects are being manipulated and shared among themselves. Weakened executive arms might contribute to institutional failure, and not merely personal greed.

Philosophical Connection: John Rawl’s idea of justice as fairness leans on important institutions. The Nigerian situation demonstrated that institutions are terms to serve political interests rather than public justice thereby ethical outcomes cannot be sustained.

1. Weak democracy institutions and electoral reforms: To ensure democracy is upheld, leaders are held accountable, this will make institutions to remain strong. Standing up for what is right in Nigeria is essential for fostering justice, equity and progress. Though individual integrity often inspires collective action, creating powerful movements that demand reform and challenges systemic issues. In a scenario where democracy is weak and inability to enforce laws reflect a government that lacks both authority and legitimacy.
2. A case study where the Nigerian government failed to stop insecurity (Boko Haram, Banditry): failure to tackle the issues of insecurity in the country especially Northern Nigeria have allowed the insurgent groups to thrive, inflicted severe casualties and destruction.

Philosophical Connection: According to Hobbes, the state’s main role is to provide security. When they fail to do so, the “state of nature” returns, and life becomes nasty, brutish and short.

1. In the 2023 Presidential elections: For many Nigerians, all we want is justice that is rooted in truth and justice that is based on what really transpired on the day of election when INEC changed the goal post in the middle of the match. INEC promised Nigerians real-time transmission of election results from polling units using BVAS to capture and transmit the results to the IREV portal in order to eliminate fraud and uphold the integrity of our electoral processes and INEC failed woefully and they were criticized for late upload of results and inconsistencies.
2. Philosophical Connection: These flaws compromised the concept of the “general will” as described by Rousseau, that the democratic participation should centre to modern liberal theories.

The Challenges Nigeria Politics Poses If Ethics Is Not Applied

A country’s political system without an ethical code of conduct is doomed for destruction and faces ethical challenges, especially in the context of Nigeria. Hence, ethics should matter in politics. The study identified and discussed the ethical challenges from our political system.

Corruption: This is rampant in our political system, which involves power abuse, embezzlement, bribery, undermines trust and development.

Nepotism and Favouritism: Giving jobs or Favors to friends/family. Promotions are now based on personal connections, hampering meritocracy and fostering injustice.

Lack of Transparency: Decisions are made secretively, which erodes trust, and leads to unrest.

Electoral Malpractices: Political qualifications and leadership criteria are no longer on merit and honest. It’s now by voter intimidation, rigging, subverts democracy, denies rights, erodes confidence and hinder progress.

Weak Governance: Where there’s ethical lapses it leads to ineffective governance. Public properties and services will be affected, which will lead to perpetuates poverty, inequality and dissatisfaction.

Solutions To Enhance Ethics in Nigeria Politics

To navigate these ethical challenges, these recommended solutions can be incorporated or considered by our government or policymakers.

1. Electoral Reforms: For Ethical politics, we first need electoral reforms, because those who get elected unethically cannot become ethical politicians. We need to ensure transparency and fairness. If Nigeria truly wants meaningful electoral reform, we must confront one of our biggest mistakes, the way we choose our leaders within political parties.

Specific Nigerian Contextual Recommendation

1. Electoral Transmission of Result: Election results should be transmitted through INEC’s BVAS (Bimodal Voter Accreditation System) and IReV (INEC Result Viewing Portal). This will reduce result tampering at every collation centre.
2. Diaspora Voting: Citizens living in diaspora should be allowed to vote for presidential elections, by collaborating with Nigerian embassies in countries with high diaspora population (e.g. UK, USA, Germany) to ensure their participation and strengthening democratic inclusion.
3. Electoral Offences Commission: There should be an Agency in investigating and prosecuting voting-buying, voter suppression, and manipulation.

In Nigeria, zoning has outlived its usefulness. Leadership should not be reduced to a rotational arrangement that ignores competence. Every qualified citizen should have an equal chance to contest, regardless of region, state or local government. Even worse is the current delegate system, where a few handpicked individuals decide for billions. This narrow process makes it easy for moneybags and political godfathers to impose their candidates, leaving the masses with little real choice.

The solution is clear. Let every registered party member vote in primary elections. This way, candidates must win the trust of the people they seek to represent and not just buy the loyalty of a few delegates. Until we fix this, our politics will remain a game for the wealthy and connected, and true democracy will remain a thing of dream.

1. Anti-Corruption and Transparency: The country needs to strengthen anti-corruption institutions and provide a strategy which will involve decisive reforms, strict enforcement of laws and changes to the constitution to close loopholes exploited by corrupt individuals.

Specific Nigeria Contextual Recommendation

1. Public Asset should always be recorded and digitized: To avoid mismanagement, they should always publish the asset declarations of public officials for public accountability.
2. Strengthen Whistleblower Protection Law: They should pass a protection bill in support of current policy that protects citizens who expose corruption. Whistleblowers should be supported legally and provided with finance.
3. Special Corruption Courts: Extend and duly fund special anti-corruption courts to fasten up high profile cases and reduce political interference in prosecutions.

Nigeria needs to hold leaders accountable, because the country’s economic and social development hinges on eliminating systemic corruption. Without bold action, the nation would continue to suffer the consequences of poor governance and mismanagement of resources.

To Strengthen Legal Frameworks for Accountability and Transparency: By strengthening the laws and ensuring that decision-making processes are transparent and that the leaders are questionable and answerable for their actions.

Specific Nigeria Contextual Recommendation

1. Monitoring Declaration of Asset: They will enforce that public officials declare their income, assets, and liabilities to prevent corruption and illicit enrichment.
2. Investigating Complaints: To tackle and immediately to address allegations of corruption, abuse of office or breaches of ethical conduct by public officials.
3. Promoting Integrity Standards: By establishing and enforcing codes of conduct to guide public officials in maintaining high ethical standards.
4. Through Educating the Public on Ethical Standards: Public awareness is good, especially when it relates to politics and politicians. Respect to the ethical standard required for contesting, campaigning and convening should be maintained.

Specific Nigeria Contextual Recommendation

1. Raising Public Awareness: Educating the public about the importance of integrity, accountability and the fight against corruption.
2. Embrace ubuntu and Communitarian Values: By promoting African ethical systems like ubuntu, which states that “I am because we are” to encourage collective responsibility and community-oriented service. This is in line with Nigerian traditional communal values.

These recommendations are actionable that will ensure that public officials adhere to principles of honesty, fairness and accountability while carrying out their duties. Political reform in Nigeria is essential for strengthening democracy, promoting transparency, and ensuring equitable governance. Since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria has faced challenges such as corruption, electoral fraud, weak institutions, and regional tensions. Recent efforts at reform have focused on electoral processes, including the introduction of biometric voter registration and electronic transmission of results to curb rigging and enhance credibility. However, these measures require continuous improvement and strong enforcement.

Reforming political parties is also crucial, as many lack internal democracy and accountability. A more transparent and inclusive system would encourage citizen participation and produce better leadership. Furthermore, decentralization of power can improve service delivery and reduce the dominance of federal authorities.

For genuine change, civil society must remain engaged, while the judiciary and anti-corruption agencies need independence and support. Political reform in Nigeria is a long-term process, but it is vital for national stability and sustainable development.

Should There Be a Place for Ethics in Politics?

Going into the question whether there should be ethics in politics, our answer is, yes. As we can see above, it’s obvious to conclude that Politics cannot be completely detached from ethics.  In fact, an in-depth understanding of the nature of politics will show that ethical considerations are always part of political actions and decisions, no matter how minimal.

Politics without ethics is a gateway to corruption and its danger, which can lead to corruption and abuse of power and affect some key factors such as education, healthcare, and some organizational sectors. In the political system globally, we have witnessed a growing crisis where power is pursued for personal or partisan gain rather than the common goal of the society. Ethics in politics requires integrity, transparency, and service to the people. Ethics will make our politicians act not in self-interest but in the interest of justice, equity and truth. The study will identify why ethics should be applied in politics.

*It builds trust: A government that lacks ethics loses its credibility, leading to civic disengagement and instability.

*It protects the vulnerable: Ethical code of conduct will ensure that policies are not driven by corporate influence or personal ambition but by justice for all.

*It upholds democracy: Politics grounded in ethical principles prevents the erosion of civil liberties and promotes the common good.

*To promote transparency and accountability: especially in fostering trust between the government and the governed.

As stated above, the detachment of politics from ethics is one of the reasons for the massive destruction and conflicts globally today.  In international politics among countries and national politics within a defined territory, the stories are the same. In general, ethics must be used as an instrument to uphold the moral fabric of the society and a check on power. The nature of politics and the place of ethics must be deeply understood to avoid many expectations. Nigeria is one of the good examples of a state where all the dynamics of politics and ethics seem to be playing out. To better understand the Nigerian situation, there is a need to explore the historical background of the situation.

The exact situation of what is happening in Nigeria is also happening in many African states. Many years ago, as a country, Nigeria was colonized by the Europeans for decades. When the Europeans were here, Nigerian nationalist leaders fought for the independence of the country from colonial rule. This quest for independence raised the hope and expectations of many Nigerians for a better country. In the year 1960, Nigeria gained her independence, and it was expected that with the departure of the Europeans, the country would be piloted to the promised land by indigenous nationalist leaders. The expectations turned out to become the exact opposite. It turned out that the nationalist leaders who fought for the independence of their country from foreign dominion were not totally from their heart; rather, they wanted to drive the foreigners out so they could become the new lords. Diversion of public resources, squandering of public funds, and funds to private pockets became the order of the day. Pursuit of the common good took the backstage, while pursuit for personal interest took the front stage.  These kinds of political interests have continued to be experienced and expressed till date. This is the reason why ethics should be applied in politics to ensure accountability, and integrity.   To distance ethics from politics would mean the draining out of the very essence of politics and the consequence would be destructive.

Can Individual Morality Be Enough to Bring About the Change Our Leaders Need for Development in Nigeria

Though individual morality is also vital for societal improvement and can positively influence leadership, it’s not sufficient on its own to bring about the massive changes needed for sustainable development in Nigeria. Individuals with strong ethical behaviour can motivate and inspire others to act ethical to ensure a more positive and accountable environment. They can help to influence other leaders, by encouraging those around them to prioritize ethical behaviour and be able to make effective governance.

Why Individual Morality Matters

*Strong foundation for ethical leadership: Individuals with strong moral character can uphold strong moral principles, they might inspire others to act ethically and eventually produce ethical leadership.

*Building trust: Moral responsible individuals are not in support of corruption, injustice or ignore community problems, they are active and effective in public support for sustainable development.

*Cultural shift: Individuals with strong moral character might shift the societal norms (e.g by refusing to pay or accept bribes or indulge in election malpractices.

Why Individual Morality Is Not Enough

*Systemic situation: As far as I know, Nigerians’ situation is beyond even what moral individuals can change. If adequate carefulness is not explored, the corrupt system might silence the moral individuals. So, due to massive corruption and weak institutions it required systemic solutions that are beyond moral individuality.

Lack of accountability: One moral person is not enough to account for those in power for every decision and actions, and to deter them from engaging in harmful practices.

Ineffective policy: Progress needs more than one moral person, for one-person good policy might be isolated, but collective action implemented, supported, can be easily executed successfully.

Why Combination of Morality Matters

Having identified all these points, there’s still a need for a combination of individual and collective efforts to achieve sustainable development for politics is not a one-man game.

A combination and collective efforts will lead to

*Strong institution: A combination of individual ethical behaviour with strong institutions such as the legal practice, independent judiciaries and public institutions will join forces to hold leaders accountable and ensure fair and equitable.

*Education orientation: Education and awareness can produce moral citizens whose expectation is for better governance and help promote ethics, integrity and build trust.

*Economic policies: Reducing the patronizing of a single sector (oil) but patronizing various sectors for sustainable economic growth which is relevant for long-term development.

Ultimately, individual morality can play a vital part for positive change, still, it’s not sufficient to manage the massive challenges for development in Nigeria.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the study argues that politics and ethics are not incompatible with one another because of the differences between ends or means, in fact, this distinction occurs because of the moral values associated with politics and ethics. Ethics is needed in politics to examine and guide political actions, policies and decisions. Exploring ethics in the Nigeria political context is significant because it sheds light on the challenges and opportunities for ethical practices in a diverse and complex political landscape. The challenges are significant, but in applying ethics and moral right strategies, there will be room for more ethical decisions in politics. The study also enlightened us that ethics in Nigeria politics requires collective efforts from the policymakers and society.

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