The Organisation for Harmony and Peace (OHP),through its Directorate of Political Affairs, as once again reaffirms that politics, by its very nature, is not a dirty profession. Rather, it is one of humanity's noblest avenues for public service, nation-building, and the promotion of the common good. Unfortunately, the credibility of politics is too often diminished by individuals who choose deception, corruption, manipulation, abuse of power, and selfish ambition over truth, justice, transparency, and genuine service to the people.
Across many democratic societies, a popular saying equates politicians and lies as being "like five and six." While this expression is satirical, it reflects a painful reality,the growing erosion of public trust caused by broken promises, deliberate misinformation, and the failure of many elected officials to fulfil their campaign commitments. Democracy cannot flourish where dishonesty becomes a political strategy rather than an exception.
Political office should never be viewed as a licence for personal enrichment or partisan domination. Instead of investing enormous public resources in electoral manipulation, propaganda, vote-buying, divisive rhetoric, and false promises, leaders should channel their energy toward improving education, healthcare, infrastructure, security, economic opportunities, and social welfare.
Leadership is measured not by the eloquence of campaign speeches but by the tangible impact made in the lives of ordinary citizens.
One of democracy's greatest ironies is that ballot papers successfully reach the most remote villages and underserved communities during elections. Yet, after electoral victories are secured, those same communities are often forgotten and deprived of the dividends of democracy. Roads remain impassable, schools remain underfunded, healthcare facilities remain inadequate, unemployment persists, and insecurity continues to threaten lives and livelihoods. Such neglect weakens democratic institutions, fuels public frustration, and widens the gulf between government and the governed.
From a social science perspective, trust is the cornerstone of every peaceful and prosperous society. Nations thrive where citizens believe in the integrity of their institutions and leaders.
Conversely, when deception becomes institutionalised, civic engagement declines, public confidence collapses, corruption flourishes, and national development suffers. Sustainable peace and inclusive development can never be built upon the fragile foundation of falsehood.
From a legal and governance perspective, public office is a sacred trust rather than a personal entitlement. The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) emphasises transparency, integrity, accountability, and responsible public administration as indispensable principles of democratic governance.
Likewise, Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) affirms that the authority of government derives from the will of the people, making it imperative that elected officials govern solely in the public interest rather than for private or partisan advantage.
From an Islamic perspective, truthfulness, justice, trustworthiness, and accountability are inseparable qualities of righteous leadership. Allah (SWT) commands:
*O you who believe! Fear Allah and be with those who are truthful.*
(Qur'an 9:119)
Allah (SWT) further declares:
*Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and, when you judge between people, judge with justice.*
(Qur'an 4:58)
The Messenger of Allah warned:
The signs of a hypocrite are three: whenever he speaks, he lies; whenever he makes a promise, he breaks it; and whenever he is entrusted, he betrays the trust."
(Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
The Prophet (ﷺ) also said:
Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock.
(Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
These timeless teachings remind every leader that authority is not a privilege to exploit but an Amānah (trust) for which every individual will ultimately be held accountable before Allah (SWT) and before history.
The eminent Muslim scholar Ibn Taymiyyah wisely observed:
Allah upholds a just state even if it is not Muslim, but He does not uphold an oppressive state even if it is Muslim."
This profound observation reinforces the universal truth that justice,not slogans, ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation,is the true foundation of stable governance.
Similarly, Nelson Mandela reminded the world that:
*A nation's greatness is measured by how well it serves its people.*
These enduring reflections demonstrate that integrity, justice, and selfless service are universal values upon which enduring nations are built.
The temporary nature of worldly power should inspire humility rather than arrogance. Sadly, when the whispers of Shayṭān overshadow the conscience, some leaders become intoxicated by authority, forgetting that every office has an expiry date and that ultimate judgment belongs to Allah (SWT). Political power is transient; moral accountability is eternal.
A popular humorous saying captures the depth of public scepticism:
If some politicians say, 'Good morning,' many people still look outside to confirm whether it is truly morning.
Although humorous, this statement reflects a dangerous reality,the profound trust deficit that persistent dishonesty has created between leaders and citizens. Confidence can only be restored when leaders consistently align their words with their actions.
The Organisation for Harmony and Peace (OHP) therefore calls upon political leaders at all levels to embrace truth, transparency, accountability, justice, humility, and servant leadership. Elections should never be viewed as the end of democratic responsibility but as the beginning of a solemn covenant between leaders and the people they are privileged to serve.
We equally urge citizens to remain law-abiding, actively participate in democratic processes, demand accountability through peaceful and constitutional means, reject corruption and vote-buying, and support leaders of proven integrity, competence, and character.
A nation burdened by deception, injustice, corruption, broken promises, and abuse of public trust cannot attain sustainable peace, economic prosperity, or meaningful development. Enduring progress is built upon truth, justice, ethical leadership, institutional accountability, the rule of law, and respect for the dignity of every citizen.
Signed:
*Ustadh Tajudeen Jimoh Alao, AAN*
*President, Organisation for Harmony and Peace (OHP)*
*Ambassador Olaleye Rasheed Damilare.*
*Director of Media OHP.*
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