Prominent Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Jibrin Samuel Okutepa, SAN, has decried what he described as Nigeria’s “theatre of political absurdities,” stating that the country’s political system is largely void of principle, party discipline, or ideological integrity.
In a scathing statement released on Wednesday, Okutepa lamented the increasing commodification of Nigerian politics and the erosion of democratic values.
According to the fiery legal luminary, Nigerian politicians lack ideological commitment and frequently switch parties based on personal interest, rather than public service or national development. “Politics in Nigeria is not people-based. Nigerian politicians are not predictable; they change political parties at will, depending on where their personal interests are buttered,” Okutepa said.
He likened Nigerian political parties to mere “vehicles for misconduct,” arguing that most parties have become platforms for opportunism rather than democratic governance. “I think we have no parties and no party discipline in Nigeria. The political parties we have are just parties in name,” he stated.
Okutepa did not mince words in describing the prevailing culture of defection and political inconsistency as a form of “political prostitution.” He noted that many politicians maintain “polygamous political platforms,” lacking faithfulness or ideological loyalty to any political institution. “Politics of political fornication and waywardness has destroyed principled politics founded on ideologies that better the lots of the people,” he lamented.
He further condemned the dual loyalty many politicians display, whereby they participate in the affairs of multiple parties despite constitutional prohibitions. “You see politicians in one party canvassing votes or promoting candidates of other parties, and nothing happens. There is political rascality openly professed and displayed by people who ought to show leadership,” he said.
Expressing frustration with the state of governance, Okutepa said many individuals who ought to be behind bars for their misdeeds are the same people dictating the political direction of the country. “Those who should be in prison are not in prison. In fact, they are the ones who may even send decent Nigerians to prison. People worship these crooked politicians,” he remarked.
He also took aim at the culture of idolizing questionable wealth and celebrating corrupt figures under the guise of philanthropy. “Stealing the common wealth of the people and pretending to be philanthropists is the worst height of robbery and corruption. You can’t be a thief and pretend to be a philanthropist,” he emphasized.
In conclusion, Okutepa issued a call to action, urging urgent reforms to tackle political indiscipline and what he termed “democratic tyranny.” He warned that Nigeria’s current brand of democracy borders on “political terrorism,” and only those willing to endure such injustice can hope to survive the turbulent political climate.
“Nigerians are now looking unto God for the miracle of good leadership,” he declared, reflecting a deepening national disillusionment with the political elite.
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