Article Details

Abstract This paper interrogates the dominance of impunity and injustice in Nigeria’s political space when viewed through the philosophical and sociobiological lens of Charles Darwin’s concept of “survival of the fittest”. While originally rooted in evolutionary biology, Darwin’s idea cut across disciplines and is often misapplied to sociopolitical realities. This paper critically reflects on how this theory, when distorted, can be used to justify the survival of corrupt elites, the systemic failure of our justice system and the marginalization of the masses. It explores the ethical contradictions in using natural selection as a metaphor for political governance. It argues that Nigeria’s political trajectory reveals a form of socio-political Darwinism that encourages predatory leadership, undermines democratic values, and institutionalizes injustice at every level of our political space. The paper argues that citizens' survivalist approach should be grounded in their collective resolve to challenge authorities where necessary, through protest or by voting out bad leaders who see leadership as a game of survival of the fittest from a narrow perspective. The work concludes by proposing an alternative paradigm rooted in inclusive governance and ethical leadership, driven by institutional accountability.

Leadership, Political Environment, Survival of the fittest, Darwinism,