As Nigerians mark Democracy Day, political economist and public affairs analyst, Professor Pat Utomi, has issued a scathing critique of the country’s political class, urging citizens to rise against what he described as “thugs and tropical gangsters masquerading as leaders.”
Utomi made the remarks in a series of posts on his X handle between Wednesday and Thursday, calling for a sober reflection on the country’s leadership crisis and the urgent need to reclaim democracy from self-serving politicians.
“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 continue to damage the prospects of the people of their countries.”
He linked the significance of June 12 to the ideals for which the late Chief MKO Abiola stood, describing the annulled 1993 election as a historic struggle for genuine leadership and democratic values.
“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 also cited renowned Kenyan scholar and activist, Prof. PLO Lumumba, who frequently highlights Nigeria’s governance failures when compared with countries like Qatar. According to Utomi, such comparisons often leave members of Nigeria’s elite visibly uncomfortable, though few acknowledge that Lumumba’s criticisms apply directly to them.
“We hear it every day from people like PLO Lumumba, who often compares Nigeria’s failings to Qatar’s achievements. Nigerian elites grin sheepishly, as if unaware he’s describing them. But what he says is the truth,” Utomi noted.
Referencing the book Tropical Gangsters by development expert Robert Klitgaard, Utomi said the term aptly captures the character of many African leaders who abuse public trust and mismanage national resources.
In a personal tribute, the former presidential aspirant announced he would observe three minutes of silence at noon on June 12 to honour key figures in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle. Among those he named were Chief MKO Abiola, elder statesman Pa Ayo Adebanjo, and the late Tunde Akinleye, former chairman of Ikoyi Club.
June 12 is officially recognised as Democracy Day in Nigeria, in remembrance of the 1993 presidential election that was widely hailed as the most credible in the country’s history before it was annulled by the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida.
Utomi’s message resonates at a time when public dissatisfaction with governance is high, with many Nigerians grappling with economic hardship, insecurity, and growing disillusionment with democratic institutions. His call adds to mounting demands for a new political culture built on integrity, competence, and people-centred leadership.
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