Nigerian politicians 'still learning democracy' after 25 years – Mahdi Shehu
Public affairs commentator Mahdi Shehu warns Nigerian democracy is "in visible danger" as party primaries conclude with growing political desperation. After 25 years of civilian rule, Shehu criticizes parties for withholding final candidate lists despite primaries being complete.
"All parties' primary elections are over, yet the final lists are being withheld and treated as if they are in a casino room," Shehu stated on X Saturday. He notes politicians are switching parties and forming "unlikely alliances" just to secure tickets, including politicians who once demonized the parties they now join.
The commentator observes former political rivals becoming "strange bedfellows" driven by power hunger rather than principle. "Even after 25 uninterrupted years of democratic governance, politicians in Nigeria are still learning the ropes," Shehu added, warning the full consequences will manifest during the upcoming 2027 general elections.
As parties continue their internal wrangling, what does this say about the maturity of our democracy 25 years after military rule ended?