Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Jibrin Okutepa, has delivered a scathing critique of Nigeria’s political landscape, warning citizens against risking their lives for politicians whom he accused of prioritising personal gain over public service.
In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, Okutepa said his observations of Nigerian politicians over time had led him to conclude that it is “foolhardy and foolish” for supporters to fight or even die on their behalf.
“It is not uncommon seeing supporters of politicians fighting, killing and maiming themselves for the politicians who abused themselves and said all sorts of things,” he said.
According to him, what often appears as political rivalry in public is, in reality, a façade, as many politicians remain united in pursuing shared personal interests at the expense of the people.
“While these politicians appear in the public eyes to be fighting… in reality they are far from real quarrels. They are united in common against the Nigerian people. They are not fighting themselves,” he stated.
Okutepa argued that Nigerian politicians frequently reconcile with former rivals once their personal interests align, describing such actions as evidence that many lack ideological commitment.
“What I see… make me feel that no Nigerian politicians mean well for the people. Most Nigerian politicians are into politics because of what they want to get for themselves and not what they can offer the people,” he said.
He further criticised what he described as a culture of opportunism, alleging that politicians easily abandon principles when their interests are threatened.
“They can change at any moment their selfish desires and interests are threatened… Nigerian politicians can go back to his or her vomits. No shame,” he added.
The senior lawyer also decried the state of governance in the country, pointing to widespread poverty despite abundant resources and the marginalisation of capable individuals.
“It is irritating seeing poverty in the midst of plenty resources in Nigeria. Those who have ideas of turning things around are not allowed to,” he said.
Raising concerns about the credibility of elections, Okutepa questioned the value of democratic processes in Nigeria, arguing that votes often do not count and that electoral outcomes fail to reflect the will of the people.
“For me, let us not waste human and material resources conducting sham elections. Let us coronate those who are in power… I do not think Nigerian people have any say in who govern Nigeria,” he stated.
He also expressed concern over what he described as a lack of accountability and deep-rooted corruption across both leadership and the wider society.
“Daily politics has become more selfish than service to the people… What is the difference between a politician who buys votes and the voter who sells his or her votes?” he queried.
Okutepa concluded by lamenting divisions among Nigerians and the tendency of some citizens to support poor governance for personal or group interests.
“Bad governance is being supported by those who profit from it… Nigerians take ownership of bad governance and support it because those in charge… are their own. Shame,” he said.
