A recent commentary by Badagry Talks Online TV has reignited an important civic conversation with a bold assertion: “Political party loyalty is slavery in disguise.”

While the phrase is deliberately provocative, its underlying message speaks to a growing concern within Badagry’s political space and Nigeria at large — the dangers of blind allegiance over principled engagement.

At the heart of this argument is the belief that loyalty in politics should never override conscience, dignity, or the collective interest of the people. When party affiliation becomes unquestionable devotion, it risks muting critical thinking and discouraging citizens from holding leaders accountable.

In such circumstances, loyalty ceases to be civic commitment and begins to resemble political servitude.

Badagry Talks Online TV argues that true loyalty must be anchored in principles, not personalities. Political parties are meant to be vehicles for ideology, governance, and service delivery — not cults of unquestioned obedience.

When party members are discouraged or punished for speaking out against wrongdoing, mismanagement, or injustice within their own ranks, loyalty becomes coercive rather than voluntary.

The commentary further highlights how unchecked loyalty often benefits only a few at the top, while grassroots supporters receive little more than rhetoric. Leaders who exploit devotion without reciprocating it through inclusion, transparency, or tangible development create a system where followers give endlessly but gain nothing meaningful in return. In such an environment, silence is rewarded while integrity is penalised.

Another concern raised is the culture of “my party, my choice” without scrutiny. When voters defend candidates solely on party lines — regardless of competence, character, or performance — communities risk entrusting their future to individuals unprepared or unwilling to serve.

According to the commentary, this is not loyalty to progress but submission to poor leadership.

Badagry Talks Online TV stresses that healthy political loyalty must allow room for dissent. Constructive criticism, internal debate, and correction are signs of a mature political culture, not betrayal. A system that demands silence as the price of belonging is one that undermines democratic values.

In defining a healthier alternative, the publication outlines key distinctions that separate loyalty from servitude:
• Loyalty to principles, not personalities — allegiance should be to the constitution, shared values, and the welfare of the people.
• The necessity of dissent — loyalty does not mean the absence of voice; it means commitment with conscience.
• Mutual respect — political relationships should be reciprocal, not exploitative.

As Badagry continues to navigate its political evolution, this conversation is timely. Political loyalty, when grounded in shared vision, accountability, and mutual respect, strengthens democracy. But when it demands silence, excuses failure, and suppresses truth, it becomes a chain — not a choice.

The challenge, therefore, is not to abandon political parties, but to redefine loyalty as principled engagement rather than blind obedience. In doing so, Badagry can cultivate a political culture that empowers citizens, strengthens leadership, and prioritises development over division.

— Cited from commentary by Badagry Talks Online TV