Politics
Democracy Day: Pat Utomi Urges Nigerians to Shun ‘Thugs Masquerading as Leaders’
Renowned political economist and public intellectual, Professor Pat Utomi, has marked Nigeria’s Democracy Day with a searing critique of the nation’s political leadership, urging citizens to reject what he described as “thugs and tropical gangsters” posing as leaders.
In a series of reflective posts shared via his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday and Thursday, Utomi called for a national awakening and deeper engagement with the leadership crisis that continues to hold Nigeria back.
“The real reflection for June 12 has to be how the people can liberate themselves from thugs and tropical gangsters masquerading as politicians,” Utomi wrote. “Their character flaws damage the prospects of the people of their countries.”
He said the occasion of Democracy Day, which commemorates the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, should prompt sober reflection on the nature and quality of leadership in Nigeria.
“Engaging the leadership question in African politics is what drove Chief Abiola. So, June 12 is perhaps the day to reflect on leadership,” he added.
Utomi drew parallels between present-day Nigerian politicians and the themes explored in Tropical Gangsters, a book by development economist Robert Klitgaard. The book, which chronicles corruption and misrule in Africa, was cited by Utomi to underscore his concerns about political leadership in Nigeria.
Referencing Kenyan lawyer and orator, Prof. PLO Lumumba, Utomi said Lumumba frequently uses Nigeria as an example of leadership failure during his lectures. “He often compares Nigeria to countries like Qatar, leaving Nigerian elites in the audience grinning sheepishly, unaware that he’s speaking directly about them,” Utomi observed. “But what he says is the truth.”
As part of his personal tribute to Democracy Day, Utomi announced he would observe a three-minute silence at noon on June 12 to honour the memory of key figures in Nigeria’s democratic journey. Among those he mentioned were Chief MKO Abiola, whom he described as a national hero, the late Tunde Akinleye, former chairman of Ikoyi Club, and elder statesman, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.
June 12 is officially recognised as Nigeria’s Democracy Day, marking the anniversary of what is widely considered the freest and fairest election in the country’s history. The election, won by Abiola, was annulled by the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida, triggering years of political unrest and civil resistance.
Utomi’s remarks come amid growing frustration over economic hardship, insecurity, and what many Nigerians perceive as the failure of political elites to deliver on the promise of democratic governance. His call for vigilance and resistance against poor leadership adds to the ongoing national conversation about the future of democracy in Africa’s most populous country.
