Nigerians Urged to Stand Against Alleged Corruption and Manipulation
In a recent statement, prominent political analyst Najib Zakari accused influential politicians Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shetima of posing a threat to Nigeria’s democracy. Zakari highlighted several concerns, including their perceived political control, lack of internal democracy, corruption allegations, and concentration of power.
Firstly, both Tinubu and Shetima have been accused of exerting excessive control over the political landscape in Nigeria. Tinubu, in particular, has been criticized for his alleged grip on the political machinery of various states, leading to a lack of viable opposition and hindering the emergence of new leaders. This dominance has raised concerns about the healthy functioning of democratic institutions.
Secondly, critics argue that both politicians do not allow for internal democracy within their respective parties. Allegations suggest that they handpick candidates and impose them on party members and the wider Nigerian citizenry, undermining the genuine democratic process and limiting the choices available to voters.
Furthermore, Tinubu has faced numerous corruption allegations throughout his political career. Critics claim that his influence over political appointments and control of economic resources have facilitated corruption and weakened democratic institutions in Nigeria.
Moreover, Zakari highlights the alleged manipulation of the Kano state elections by both Tinubu and Shetima. However, it should be noted that the Kano state election has been widely regarded as credible, with Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf emerging as the winner with a significant majority. Zakari calls on Nigerians to reject any attempts to manipulate the outcome of this election and emphasizes the importance of a fair and transparent judiciary process.
Zakari also expresses concern about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s democratic institutions, including the Court of Appeal, the Tribunal, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He argues that their failures may contribute to the erosion of democracy in the country.
In light of these allegations, Zakari urges Nigerians to stand against what he perceives as bad leadership and calls for citizens to mobilize against corruption and manipulation. He believes that it is essential for Nigeria’s democracy and the integrity of its institutions to prevail, emphasizing the need for a fair and just Supreme Court verdict that will uphold the principles of democracy.
As the nation looks towards the resolution of these concerns, Nigerians are encouraged to remain vigilant and actively participate in the democratic process to safeguard the future of their country.