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Former Director-General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Founder of Red Carpet Protocol, Earl Osaro Onaiwu, has urged Nigerians to ensure that political differences do not destroy cherished friendships, family bonds and long-standing relationships.
Onaiwu, who made the appeal against the backdrop of increasing political polarisation in the country, observed that political affiliation has become a growing source of tension, with individuals increasingly allowing support for different parties, candidates and political interests to strain or sever relationships.
He stressed that while political participation and ideological differences are essential to democracy, they should never become reasons for people to turn against those they love.
“We can disagree politically and still remain friends. We can support different candidates and still sit at the same table. Politics is temporary, but family and friendship are relationships we carry with us through life,” he said.
Onaiwu maintained that the essence of political participation should be the exchange of ideas, advocacy for preferred policies and the democratic choice of leaders, rather than the creation of enemies among people who share years of friendship, family ties and common history.
He urged Nigerians to support their preferred candidates and defend their political convictions without resorting to personal attacks, hatred or the destruction of relationships.
“Do not lose your friends, brothers, sisters, or family members because of political affiliation. Support who you believe in and stand for what you believe is right, but never forget the people who were there before politics came into the picture,” he added.
The former Nigeria Governors’ Forum Director-General further called for greater tolerance and respect for divergent political opinions, especially as the country approaches another period of heightened political activity.
According to him, political seasons are temporary, but the consequences of relationships permanently damaged in the heat of political rivalry can endure for many years.
He therefore encouraged Nigerians to separate political disagreements from personal relationships and embrace the understanding that people can hold opposing political views while maintaining mutual respect, friendship and family unity.
Onaiwu’s message, he noted, is particularly important at a time when political conversations are increasingly extending beyond public debate into homes, workplaces, social circles and communities.
He urged Nigerians to remember that political allegiance should not come at the cost of the relationships that form the foundation of society.
