Renowned legal practitioner and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Jibrin Samuel Okutepa, has delivered a scathing critique of Nigeria’s political system, firmly rejecting the growing belief that elected leaders are entitled to a second term in office.
In a strongly worded statement, Okutepa clarified that while the Constitution permits Presidents and Governors to serve a maximum of eight years, “it does not guarantee automatic re-election.” He stressed that any second term must be earned strictly on performance, not treated as a birthright.
He condemned the culture of sycophancy surrounding incumbents, warning that it has turned democracy into entitlement. According to him, “there is no democratic accountability. What we have is despotic imposition of people in power.”
The outspoken SAN also took aim at political manipulation at the state level, accusing outgoing governors of installing loyal successors to maintain control behind the scenes. He described this practice as a betrayal of democratic principles and the will of the people.
On Nigeria’s electoral reality, Okutepa did not mince words, stating that what exists is not true democracy but “selectocracy,” where outcomes are predetermined and institutions meant to ensure fairness have been compromised.
He further highlighted the questionable wealth of many long-time political actors, noting that several had no known means of livelihood before entering politics but are now “stupendously wealthy.” He criticized the hypocrisy of leaders who champion the rule of law while in opposition but abandon it once in power.
Referencing the late Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba, Okutepa remarked that citizens sometimes defend corrupt leaders “because they are their thieves.”
He concluded with a call for urgent constitutional and political reforms, advocating strict limits on how long individuals can remain in public office, warning that recycling the same political class continues to deepen national hardship.
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