Sunken Ships is a Naijaonpoint weekly series that explores the how and why of the end of all relationships — familial, romantic or just good old friendships.
Growing up, Morenikeji* (29) adored her older brother, Ayo* (33). He was smart, responsible and constantly held up as the example to follow.
Then, in December 2025, one conversation changed everything.
For Sunken Ships, she shares how a political disagreement shattered the respect she’d spent a lifetime building with her brother, and why he now feels like a stranger.
It was great. He’s the oldest, so my younger brother and I always looked up to him.
He was the best of us academically, and my parents constantly used him as the standard we should aspire to. Beyond being my older brother, I genuinely liked him as a person.
We’re similar and share a love for music, movies and the arts. There was nothing I couldn’t talk to him about. We’d discuss work, relationships, family issues and our plans for the future. If I were ever in trouble, he would be the first person I’d reach out to for help. Ayo was one of the few people whose opinion I genuinely valued.
Of course. We fought as most siblings do, but it was never serious.
But our most recent disagreement is the worst we’ve ever had. And honestly, I don’t know if we’ll recover from it.
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We fell out over our political differences. I know it sounds strange that something like that could upturn the bond we share as siblings, but that’s just how I feel.
I didn’t vote in the 2023 elections because I simply didn’t care.
Since then, I’ve learnt my lessons. Nigeria has shown me proper shege, and I’ve been forced to become more politically conscious. I’ve encouraged the people around me to care, too, and I’ve reached a point where most of them share my concerns and frustrations.
I’d naturally assumed my brother would follow suit. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
My biggest gripe is his support of the APC. After I developed an interest in politics, I aligned myself with a party that actually cares about effecting change. And I encouraged my family and friends to support the same party.
But not my brother. Not only was he hell-bent on keeping his support for a party that’s gotten us to our current state, but he also took glee in defending some of the worst tribalist takes imaginable.
I did. We were both home for Christmas in December 2025, so I pulled him aside to talk.
I couldn’t reconcile the brother I’d admired all my life with someone willing to support people I believe are dishonest. Then he explained himself. He said he didn’t want to antagonise powerful people he hoped to connect with someday.
The explanation made absolutely no sense, and it completely changed how I saw him. I’d always held him in high regard, yet, in that moment, I realised he was willing to overlook everything the party represents as long as he benefited.
I lost all respect for him that day.
In a way, I did. I tried to change his mind. I supported my argument against the party with examples of just how bad things have gotten in the country. But the more we argued, the more things escalated.
I tagged him disappointing and greedy. He called me naive and foolish, especially for thinking my ‘big English’ could change reality.
And that was when I landed the final blow. I regret my actions, but it was necessary.
He’s always been insecure about his financial situation. He has a job, but the economy hasn’t been kind to him, just like the rest of us. So I told him that his continued support for the party wouldn’t guarantee his success in life or make him rich. I saw the hurt spread across his face immediately. Part of me wishes I hadn’t said those words.
Not in that moment, I didn’t feel the need to. But every time I replay the scenario, I wish I could cut that part out.
We’ve barely spoken. I avoid him because I don’t trust myself not to say something worse.
I even unfollowed him everywhere because seeing him defend that party online only makes me angrier. Our relationship has changed for the worse.
They all insist I’m overreacting. My parents especially keep saying politics shouldn’t come between family. But that’s not how I see it.
To me, this isn’t just about politics. It’s about values. I’m scared of what my brother would do if he ever had access to real power.
No. And I haven’t reached out either. Right now, the distance between us is for the best.
I don’t see a future where things return to how they used to be, unless there’s a fundamental change. I’m too disappointed by what he stands for.
Missing him. Ayo isn’t just my brother; we used to be friends. I wish we were still on the same page.
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