By Sam Ejiofor Ugwoke

In Nigeria's turbulent political climate, one phrase is constantly thrown around by leaders: "Be loyal." But seldom do these leaders pause to ask themselves- what have I done to earn that loyalty?

Here lies a timeless truth: Utmost loyalty cannot be demanded. It must be earned. And it is earned only through genuine, lasting impact.

Far too often in our political culture, loyalty is confused with sycophancy. Followers are expected to clap, cheer, and defend their leaders- regardless of whether those leaders have improved their lives or not. This is not loyalty. It is manipulated silence, born out of survival, not belief.

True loyalty is not transactional. It is transformational. It grows in communities where roads are built and maintained, where hospitals function without extortion, where schools inspire learning, and where leaders serve with integrity, not entitlement.

A political leader who desires enduring loyalty must first build trust. And trust is built through tangible results: job creation, poverty reduction, education reform, security, and infrastructure* that doesn't collapse with the next rainfall.

We must stop treating political offices like royal thrones and start treating them like platforms for service. The people are not subjects- they are citizens. They deserve more than slogans and seasonal handouts. They deserve leadership that listens, acts, and sacrifices for the greater good.

Let us remember that fear may command obedience, but only impact inspires loyalty. When a leader shares in the pain of the people, offers solutions, and delivers on promises, loyalty follows naturally- not as a favor, but as a response to service.

To Nigerian politicians, and to leaders across Africa: if you want loyalty, first give the people reason to believe in you. Earn their respect through action. Earn their love through sacrifice. Earn their loyalty through impact.

In the end, it’s not how many people shout your name-it’s how many lives whisper your legacy.

Sam Ejiofor Ugwoke, a olitical commentator, Civic Advocate, and Hydro/Environmental Geoscientist writes from Enugu State, Nigeria.