The popular phrase, “different strokes for different people,” resonates time and time again. It is usually evident in issues of national interest. While some people argue that there are milestones recorded since the birth of the 4th Republic in May 1999, others disagree. The latter group believes that we have been experiencing tottering growth. They reasoned that it is traceable to political parties. They believe that the formation, objectives, and operations of many parties, have contributed, largely to where our democracy is at the moment. Since 1999, there have been regular, consistent registration of political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) – almost becoming embarrassingly ridiculous. Critical analysis of the vast majority of these countless associations; which desire to scale INEC’s hurdles and morph into parties reveals certain features. No clear cut ideologies, objectives, and vision. Sadly, the registered parties are not too different.
The reverse is the case in some other countries that also practice democracy. It is an overkill comparing our democratic evolution with what obtains in developed countries; it can be described as difference between night and day. Perhaps, it is imperative to juxtapose our democratic system with that of developing nations. In South Africa, political parties are driven by ideologies that are peculiar and distinct. The African National Congress (ANC); the county’s ruling party is built on social democracy, and regional nationalism. Democratic Alliance (DA) – liberalism and federalism; uMKhontoweSizwe (MK) – socialism and nationalism; Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) – communism and pan africanism. In Ghana, the National Democratic Congress (NDC); New Patriotic Party (NPP); and a few others have clearly defined ideologies. Citizens of respective countries know these ideologies. More importantly, members remain committed and rooted in their parties; with or without electoral victories.
Different rhymes and lyrics are prevalent in Nigeria. Cynically described as “jumpology,” varied lexicons like defection, dumping, and porting are used in the media to announce the movement of politicians from one party to the other. The ease is akin to changing clothes. Since there are no realistic differences; other than gaining power, politicians find it convenient to crisscross parties, at the slightest opportunity. Between 1999 and now, the vast majority of politicians have perfected the arts of moving parties. In 26 years of the 4th Republic, some politicians have switched parties two, three, or more times. Of all parties registered in 1999, the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) has been the greatest loser. Many of the foundation members, including those who occupied various elective and appointive positions have since abandoned the umbrella in search of greener pastures. A few of the old, generational members, and some younger elements resolved to stay back. 
The subject of this piece; TeeJay Yusuf belongs to the group of members that have refused to turn their backs against PDP. The three-term member of the House of Representatives, who joined the party in 2009 said at a recent interview that, “Not minding the present challenges, I choose to remain with the party because you don’t abandon your leaking house and go to your neighbors but stay back and fix it.” At some other functions, he repeatedly stressed that, “as a son of nobody, the party gave me the platform to contest and win elections into the Legislature on three different occasions. I think it is immoral, and the height of ingratitude and disloyalty to turn my back against the party.”
There are unconfirmed reports that the Kogi-born politician has been under tremendous pressures, since 2015 to join the All Progressives Congress, (APC). According to decent sources, Yusuf consistently ward off any and every overtures from senior members and leading officials of the APC in Kogi State, and at the national level. Described as an unapologetic member of the PDP, Yusuf, in strict adherence to the party’s decision on the choice of Speaker for the House of Representatives in 2019, was denied the leadership of any Committee; despite being a senior ranking, and third-termer. Such is the level of his fidelity, commitment, and passion for party growth and development.
Yusuf has shown consistent loyalty to the PDP; even at some huge personal cost and loss, he remains committed. This, has not gone down well with some of his supporters who believe he should leverage on his positive attributes to shore up his political endeavors. Perhaps, they may be right, particularly in a democracy where sacrifice and selflessness has taken the backseat. Sadly, honour and integrity have become scarce and scant among the political class. Described as a frank and fearless politician, Yusuf, in 2012, moved the motion against the removal of fuel subsidy by the Jonathan administration; in spite of being in the same party. Rt. Hon. Silas Agara, Director-General, National Directorate of Employment, (NDE), a friend of over three decades said, “TeeJay does not approbate and reprobate on any issue, you know where he stands.” Somehow, Yusuf is giving life to the admonition of George S. Clason, “have the courage to say no..have the courage to face the truth..do the right thing because it is right.”
His brand of politics, approach to public service, and personal development has generated concerns, and attracted serial pillorying by some people. Though a few associates commend his passion for inclusivity but dislike his penchant for denying himself certain privileges and opportunities towards ensuring party cohesion. For them, it is loyalty and sacrifice taken too far. However, there are those who see him as an inspiration, and encouragement in a society where debased moral values, reckless pursuit of ephemeral positions and power have become the new normal. Unknown to him, there are institutions that have been tracking his political career and public engagements.
Convinced about his consistency to political development, the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, (CCLCA) in conjunction with NaijaBlitzNews and Hellosis Media awarded Yusuf with the 2025 Leadership Award in “Vision, Courage, and Commitment to Politics.” The organizers of the yearly awards described him as, “an outstanding politician who focuses on human values, and national development anchored on transparency, and service to the nation and humanity.” They also acknowledged his consistent roles in resolving the protracted crisis in the PDP, and his laudable contributions to national discourse. At the awards presentation, Yusuf, pledged “to do more for national development and the well-being of Nigerians, as I dedicate it to God and humanity.”
Though Yusuf have repeatedly won awards from different organizations and groups, while in the House of Representatives, this was special in many ways. Indeed, it opened the floodgates for a few others, that came in quick succession. The Law Students Association of Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, presented an Award of Recognition to him for outstanding contributions to education, and youth development. As Yusuf garnered endorsements variously across the country, reputable institutions and groups in Kabba; his community were not left out.
His ancestral lineage; Odogba Descendants Royal Family honoured him with an Award of Excellence for meritorious service to the community. The ’80s Connect Club; a frontline social group decorated him with the Award of Excellence as an outstanding federal lawmaker. Ibiobigha Lowe Sisters; an all-female group with emphasis on the provision of welfare, medicare, and other necessary facilities, recognized Yusuf’s support and contributions towards ensuring the achievement of their community development initiatives. Many more Awards were won in 2025 by the atypical politician and consummate humanist whose network of friends, acquaintances, and associates spread across the country and beyond.
* BOLAJI AFOLABI, a Development Communications specialist was with the Office of Public Affairs, The Presidency, Abuja.
