Public affairs commentator Mahdi Shehu has raised alarm over growing political desperation in Nigeria following the conclusion of party primary elections, warning that the conduct of political parties and candidates threatens the integrity of the democratic process. In a post shared on X on Saturday, Shehu criticized the lack of transparency in the release of final candidate lists, describing the situation as suspicious and reminiscent of a “casino room” where outcomes are kept hidden. He noted that despite the primaries being completed, many parties have yet to officially publish their finalized lists, fueling public suspicion and undermining trust in the electoral system.
Shehu expressed concern that even after 25 years of uninterrupted civilian rule, many Nigerian politicians still struggle to grasp the fundamentals of democratic governance. “Even after 25 uninterrupted years of democratic governance, politicians in Nigeria are still learning the ropes,” he stated, highlighting the ongoing challenges in political maturity and institutional understanding. He pointed to widespread disputes, rejections, and public reactions following the primaries as evidence of deep-seated tensions and a lack of acceptance of electoral outcomes.
The commentator also highlighted the increasing desperation among politicians to secure party tickets, observing that some are resorting to switching parties or forming unusual alliances to gain political advantage. “Extreme desperation for power at all cost is increasing, judging by the behaviour of party members after losing tickets,” he said. He noted that individuals who once publicly criticized certain political platforms are now seeking opportunities within those same parties, a shift he described as opportunistic and damaging to political credibility.
Shehu described the new alliances as “strange bedfellows” formed not out of ideological alignment but out of convenience and a hunger for power. “Some characters are moving from one political party to another looking for cheap tickets, including parties they once demonised,” he added, underscoring the erosion of political principles in favor of personal ambition. He warned that these developments could have serious implications for the upcoming general elections, with the true consequences likely to become apparent in the weeks and months ahead.
“The realities will manifest before, during and after the general elections,” Shehu cautioned. He emphasized that democracy in Nigeria is currently under visible threat due to the dangerous levels of desperation exhibited by political actors. While the full impact of these trends remains to be seen, he stressed that time will reveal how deeply these actions affect the country’s political landscape and public confidence in democratic institutions.
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