As Nigeria commemorates Democracy Day, political economist Professor Pat Utomi has urged citizens to take a critical look at the quality of leadership in the country.
In messages shared via his X account on Wednesday and Thursday, Utomi described some of Nigeria’s political figures as individuals who disguise their destructive tendencies behind the mask of leadership.
He called on Nigerians to free themselves from the influence of politicians whose behaviour, he said, continues to set the country back.
“June 12 should be a time for deep reflection on how citizens can rid themselves of leaders who are, in reality, thugs and self-interested power brokers. Their lack of integrity continues to hinder national progress,” Utomi wrote.
He linked the meaning of Democracy Day to the late Chief MKO Abiola, the widely acknowledged winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election.
Utomi said Abiola’s legacy was built on the fight for responsible and accountable leadership in Africa.
“Chief Abiola’s commitment to addressing the leadership challenge in African politics is what Democracy Day truly represents,” he added.
Utomi also made reference to remarks by prominent Kenyan intellectual PLO Lumumba, who frequently draws attention to Nigeria’s poor governance when compared to more rapidly developing nations like Qatar.
He noted that such comparisons often make Nigerian elites uncomfortable, even though they highlight painful truths.
“We hear it all the time from voices like PLO Lumumba, who contrasts Nigeria with countries like Qatar. While some elites may react with awkward smiles, deep down they know the criticisms are valid,” he said.
In honour of those who contributed to the country’s democratic journey, Utomi announced that he would observe three minutes of silence at noon on June 12.
He said the tribute would be for Chief Abiola, former Ikoyi Club chairman Tunde Akinleye, and elder statesman Pa Ayo Adebanjo.
He also cited Tropical Gangsters, a book by development expert Robert Klitgaard, noting that the phrase effectively captures the leadership style of some African politicians.
Democracy Day is officially marked every June 12 in Nigeria to honour the historic 1993 elections, which are widely regarded as the most credible in the nation’s history.
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