The reality is that while Nigerian politicians frequently invoke the idea that power is transient, their actions often suggest a deep-seated fear of losing the security and influence that office provides. The do-or-die mentality we see during election cycles strongly indicates that for many, political survival is treated as an existential necessity rather than a temporary service, suggesting that such wisdom is often just rhetoric reserved for after one has left the stage. If our leaders truly embraced the fleeting nature of their tenure, we would likely see a shift from short-term patronage to long-term institutional building, as the goal would transition from protecting one's personal position to securing a lasting legacy. Governance would inevitably become more transparent and focused on public welfare because leaders would be driven by the desire to be remembered for their contributions rather than by the frantic need to amass resources for a post-office life. Ultimately, until the structure of our politics prioritizes service over self-preservation, this transient nature will remain more of a philosophical ideal than a practical reality.