By Akinyemi Oluwaseye

In the often chaotic theatre of politics, healthy disagreement and ideological diversity are not only expected but essential for democratic progress. Yet, a disturbing trend continues to derail meaningful political engagement: character assassination.

This toxic strategy involves deliberately attacking the personal integrity, reputation, or private life of perceived opponents rather than addressing ideas, policies, or pressing governance issues. It has become a weapon of choice for many political actors—used to distract, divide, and dominate—but in truth, it is doing far more harm than good.

Rather than engaging in constructive discourse on development, economic reforms, and national challenges, some politicians default to mudslinging. Critics are painted as enemies; former allies with differing views are portrayed as traitors. Dissenting voices are ridiculed, blackmailed, or silenced. This approach doesn’t just divert the electorate from real issues such as poverty, insecurity, youth unemployment, and inflation—it also contaminates the political space, reducing politics to a dirty game instead of a noble service to the people.

The damage inflicted by political character assassination is far-reaching. First, it erodes public trust. When leaders focus on personal attacks instead of offering solutions, they lose moral credibility and alienate citizens, many of whom become disillusioned and disengaged. Second, it divides the electorate. Rather than uniting citizens around shared goals, character attacks deepen ethnic, religious, and partisan fault lines, shifting focus from policy to personality. Third, it destroys constructive dialogue. Reform-minded politicians, fearing personal attacks, withdraw from public discourse, while meaningful opposition is labelled disloyalty. Fourth, it shields poor leadership from accountability. By shifting public focus to scandals and slander, politicians escape scrutiny over their failures in office.

True leadership is not about vendettas or power preservation; it is about vision, responsibility, and results. Political campaigns and governance should focus on clear, actionable plans for economic recovery, educational reform, infrastructure, national security, and social equity. Smearing rivals does not build roads, provide jobs, or feed hungry families—only well-implemented policies do. Politicians who stay focused on issues build lasting legacies, earn public respect, and inspire future generations.

To the followers, blind loyalty is dangerous. A true supporter is not one who cheers blindly but one who thinks critically. Citizens must start asking vital questions: What is my candidate’s agenda? What solutions are they offering? Are they defending the people or merely attacking others? When followers become dogmatic—echoing every attack without reflection—they enable division and dysfunction. Democracy thrives not on emotional loyalty but on accountability, vision, and performance.

Politics should serve the people, not personal egos. It should unite rather than destroy. Politicians must rise above petty rivalries and focus on policies that matter. Likewise, followers must resist the urge to glorify political battles that yield no progress. The future of any nation will never be shaped by slander or smear campaigns. It rests on bold ideas, tested character, and a shared commitment to development. For democracy to work, everyone—politicians and citizens alike—must raise the standard.