Proverb: “Like a bird that abandoned its nest, only to find the sky unforgiving, the Northerners now yearn for the warmth of the home they left behind, realizing too late that their own kin held the key to their prosperity.”

In the dynamic and often unpredictable landscape of Nigerian politics, the case of the Northerners in Kwara State shines a spotlight on a sobering reality: the painful consequences of trading long-term benefits for temporary gains. A series of miscalculations and misplaced trust has left them grappling with regret and a sense of lost hope.

When the People's Democratic Party (PDP) zoned the Governorship ticket to the Northerners of Kwara State, it was an opportunity for them to assume the role of the state's number one citizen. Nevertheless, a storm of short-sighted decisions led them to trade this golden chance for an unfulfilled promise of federal appointments. They chose to support a candidate from the central region, hoping for a rain of 'juicy' federal positions. However, this mirage soon faded, leaving the Northerners with disappointment and despair.

The question that lingers is: Why did they trade a chance to have their own man at the zenith of power for mere positions such as SA, Commissioner, and PA? Why did they throw away the opportunity to be the state's first citizen for the empty promise of secondary roles?

The scenario also highlights an essential life lesson: the need for self-reliance. The Northerners hoped that an 'ordinary man' from outside their region could reclaim their glory for them. They forgot that it is only their own, someone who truly understands their struggles, hopes, and dreams, that can lead them to the prosperity they seek. Unfortunately, the candidate they supported wasn't prepared to assist them in their quest for glory.

The aftermath is steeped in regret. The Northerners have come to realize the gravity of their mistake. The hope that was once handed to them by another party was abandoned due to personal interests. Now, they are left wondering why they didn't rally behind their own man, who held the potential to bring about the change they so desperately needed.

The situation in Kwara State is a stark reminder that in politics, as in life, decisions should be carefully considered, with the long-term benefits prioritized over short-term gains. It is a hard lesson learned, and one that will likely color the Northerners' political decisions in the future.

As the Northerners of Kwara State grapple with the consequences of their decisions, it is hoped that they learn valuable lessons from their experiences. It's a tough pill to swallow, but one that could potentially lead to wiser decisions in the future. May the future indeed pay them, and may they find the strength and wisdom to reclaim the glory that they once lost.

Bashir Ashura is a kwara Northerner, writer, Media practitioner and public commentator.