Political economist Professor Pat Utomi has called on Nigerians to critically examine the quality of leadership in the country, urging them to reject politicians he described as “thugs and tropical gangsters.”
In a series of posts on his X handle (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday and Thursday, Utomi used the occasion of Democracy Day to reflect on Nigeria’s political trajectory.
He emphasized the need for citizens to free themselves from the grip of corrupt and self-serving politicians whose actions, he said, continue to hinder national progress.
“The real reflection for June 12 should be on how citizens can liberate themselves from thugs and tropical gangsters masquerading as leaders,” he wrote.
“Their character flaws are damaging the prospects of their countries.”
Utomi tied the essence of June 12 to the leadership ideals of the late Chief MKO Abiola, whose annulled victory in the 1993 presidential election remains a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
He said Abiola’s legacy represents a deeper struggle for responsible and visionary leadership in Africa.
“June 12 is perhaps the day to reflect on leadership,” Utomi noted.
He also referenced renowned Kenyan scholar PLO Lumumba, who frequently contrasts Nigeria’s missed opportunities with the progress of nations like Qatar — a comparison Utomi said often makes Nigerian elites uncomfortable.
“We hear it every day from people like PLO Lumumba, who highlights Nigeria’s failings in contrast to Qatar.
Nigerian elites often grin sheepishly, as if unaware the criticism is directed at them. But it is the truth,” Utomi added.
To mark Democracy Day, Utomi announced he would observe three minutes of silence at noon in honour of key figures in the democratic struggle. Among them are Chief MKO Abiola, whom he called a hero, Tunde Akinleye, former chairman of the Ikoyi Club, and elder statesman Papa Ayo Adebanjo.
He also cited the book Tropical Gangsters by development expert Robert Klitgaard, noting that the title aptly describes the nature of political leadership in many African countries.
June 12 is officially celebrated as Nigeria’s Democracy Day in remembrance of the annulled 1993 elections — widely regarded as the freest and fairest in the country’s history.