Immortalization or Double Standard? The Questions Governor Otti's Supporters Don't Want to Answer

The recent decision by Governor Alex Otti to immortalize Professor Nnenna Oti has been celebrated across many political and social circles.

Supporters describe it as a fitting recognition for a woman who became a national symbol of courage during the 2023 elections. They argue that honoring public servants who stood by their convictions is necessary to encourage integrity in public institutions.

Fair enough.

But in a democracy, every public action should also be subjected to the test of consistency.

And that is where the uncomfortable questions begin.

The Hypothetical That Reveals Everything

Let us imagine, for a moment, that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced that a major federal institution — a train station, airport terminal, or public facility — would be named after Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of INEC.

What would the reaction be?

Would the same opposition voices applauding today be applauding then? Would Obidient influencers on X be celebrating the decision as a recognition of public service? Would the same commentators who currently praise Governor Otti be writing glowing editorials about President Tinubu's commitment to honoring democratic institutions?

Or would Nigeria witness days of outrage, accusations of political patronage, and allegations that the government was rewarding an election official for delivering a controversial election outcome?

Most Nigerians already know the answer.

"The criticism would be immediate. The hashtags would trend within hours. The television panels would be assembled. The think pieces would be written."

— Trojan Beast Analysis

And social media would be flooded with claims that the government was attempting to rewrite history.

So Why Is the Standard Different Today?

That is the question many observers are asking.

The issue is not Professor Nnenna Oti. The issue is consistency. Democracy cannot survive when citizens apply one standard to people they support and another standard to people they oppose.

The same principle applies beyond Professor Mahmood Yakubu. Imagine if President Tinubu announced that a major transport hub would be named after Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, former Vice-Chancellor and respected legal scholar. Would the reaction be based purely on merit? Or would many of the same political actors immediately begin searching for hidden political motives?

The Dangerous Habit Nigeria Has Developed

Nigeria's political culture has developed a dangerous habit. Too many people determine whether an action is good or bad based on who performs it rather than the principle behind it.

When "our side" does it, it becomes statesmanship. When "their side" does it, it becomes corruption. When "our side" recognizes someone, it is honor. When "their side" recognizes someone, it is propaganda.

That is not civic engagement. That is tribal and partisan reasoning.

The Question Otti's Supporters Must Answer

The larger question Governor Otti's supporters should answer is simple: What objective standard should Nigeria use when immortalizing public officials connected to electoral processes or politically sensitive national events?

If the standard is merit, then it must apply equally to everyone. If the standard is public trust, then it must be measured consistently. If the standard is historical impact, then political affiliation should not determine who qualifies.

A democracy built on selective outrage eventually loses the moral authority to challenge genuine abuses. The same citizens who demand fairness from government must also demonstrate fairness in their own judgments.

The Conversation Nigeria Should Be Having

Governor Otti's decision has reopened an important national conversation. Not merely about Professor Nnenna Oti. Not merely about Abia State. But about whether Nigerians are willing to apply the same standards to friends and opponents alike.

Because the true test of principle is not how we judge people we agree with. The true test of principle is whether we apply the same rule when the person involved is someone we oppose.

That is the conversation Nigeria should be having.

"A principle that only applies to political allies is not a principle at all. It is merely partisanship wearing the mask of morality."

— Trojan Beast Verdict