Public affairs analyst Ibrahim Modibbo says Nigeria’s democracy is in grave danger, warning that the wave of political defections and the collapse of ideological politics have pushed the country toward “a one-party state” where “mediocrity and iniquity rule within our political system.”
Speaking during an interview with ARISE News on Thursday, Modibbo said Nigeria has abandoned the values that once defined its politics and is now governed by a political class driven only by personal gain.
Reflecting on his decades observing Nigeria’s political evolution, Modibbo said the present state of affairs is the worst he has seen.
“Nigerians are under no illusion as to the myriad of problems confronting this country politically. I covered the 1979 elections as a journalist and I have been in tune with the political development of this country. But Nigeria today is moving from the sublime to the ridiculous, where mediocrity and iniquity rule within our political system.”
He said Nigeria’s political class has abandoned ideology, unlike the political parties of the Second Republic.
“It is no longer politics of ideology, unlike what we had in 1979 — the PRP to the left, the NPN more to the right, the GNPP, the NPP. We saw people of character and people who understood politics. Sadly today, we are in a state of despair and despondency, where we see lavish display of political rascality.”
Modibbo said the collapse of values and the absence of a principled opposition have created a dangerous environment.
“Nigeria, as it is today, is politics of stomach infrastructure. Politicians should think about Nigeria, not about what they will get personally. That is where the danger lies.”
“What I want is for the opposition to rise up to the occasion. Otherwise Nigeria’s politics is in danger, because everybody is greedy. They have not been able to come under an umbrella where leaders think of this country first.”
He said the growing dominance of the ruling party risks sliding Nigeria into autocracy.
“We are moving into a one-party state, and that is the danger in this democracy. One-party state presupposes that dictatorship is at hand.”
Modibbo criticised the legislature for failing to act as a check on executive power.
“Whatever the President sends to the National Assembly is no longer a rubber stamp — it is more than a rubber stamp. In Hausa they call it ‘an shi shata’, but these are ‘mama shata’. Everything they stamp, everything passes, for God’s sake.”
He warned that without resistance, power could be consolidated indefinitely.
“Next time, after these four years, if God gives President Tinubu long life and prosperity, he will be turning into Mugabe or Paul Biya until he dies. That is the danger.”
Modibbo dismissed recent mass defections as empty political theatre.
“Most of these governors defecting are just hiding behind their fingers. Nigerians are hungry and angry — the dividing line between Nigeria and hell is very thin because people are suffering.”
“These defections are mere symbolism. They are cosmetic. Nigerians want a government that has a human face.”
He said despite manipulation, Nigerians hold the ultimate power.
“Nigerians are in millions and they will carry their votes. With sincerity in INEC and technology that allows votes to count, Nigerians will vote the right politicians into office, with or without the governors.”
Modibbo also highlighted the role of poverty and vote-buying in undermining democracy.
“I do not believe there will be free and fair elections if the political class continues to guide the people the wrong way. They corner voters, send money to them at night, or at polling units with the connivance of security agencies.”
“Nigerians have been pauperised. Some people will take Indomie or Maggi and vote without caring, because they feel that is all they are entitled to under democracy.”
Despite his concerns, Modibbo expressed faith in the resilience of the Nigerian people.
“Nigeria is a country that cannot be overrun or conquered by any political class. We must have constructive engagement and collective bargaining. If we choose to remain comfortable with our current problems, it is left to us — but I strongly believe Nigerians can change this.”
Boluwatife Enome
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