Political economist and public affairs commentator, Pat Utomi, has warned that Nigeria is drifting dangerously toward authoritarian rule, citing what he described as “creeping fascism,” a worsening legitimacy crisis, and a steady erosion of democratic values.
In a strongly worded intervention titled “Why This Moment Frightens,” Utomi argued that recent political developments mirror patterns historically associated with the rise of fascist systems.
He cautioned that the country risks “widespread misery” if urgent corrective measures are not taken.
He argued that his earlier concerns, articulated in his 2019 book on state capture and political decay, have now materialised, noting that many political actors underestimated the consequences of what they initially treated as mere power struggles.
According to him, the relentless quest for political control, often pursued through manipulation of electoral processes and disregard for democratic norms, has created a system where governance is increasingly detached from the will of the people.
Utomi alleged that in the scramble for power, some political actors have gone as far as collaborating with foreign interests, leading to violence and loss of innocent lives, while undermining national development.
He said “In this hustle for power, they take money from foreign actors, to cause the deaths of thousands of innocents,” warning that such actions have grave implications for Nigeria’s sovereignty and stability.
The former presidential candidate further described Nigeria’s political elite as lacking a full grasp of the consequences of their actions, echoing the views of philosopher Bertrand Russell that ignorance, rather than outright malice, often fuels destructive governance outcomes.
He lamented that the country’s rent-driven economic structure has incentivised corruption, weakened productivity, and encouraged a culture where public office is seen primarily as a means of personal enrichment.
A major highlight of Utomi’s intervention is his call for the immediate dissolution of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which he accused of failing to inspire public trust.
He proposed the establishment of a “high-trust council” made up of non-political actors to organise future elections, arguing that credible electoral processes are central to restoring the legitimacy of the Nigerian state.
“The Nigerian state suffers from a crisis of legitimacy. Its redemption lies in credible and transparent electoral processes,” he stated.
Utomi also warned against growing authoritarian tendencies within the political system, including suggestions of a one-party state, which he linked to recent comments by Abdullahi Ganduje praising aspects of China’s political model.
He cautioned that such thinking, if unchecked, could further weaken democratic institutions and concentrate power in ways that are detrimental to national progress.
The political economist expressed concern over what he described as the complicity of sections of the media, alleging that financial inducements and political patronage have compromised journalistic integrity and enabled propaganda to thrive.
He said the media’s failure to hold power accountable has contributed to the normalisation of poor governance and the erosion of public trust.
Drawing historical parallels with pre-World War II, Utomi referenced figures such as Adolf Hitler and Joseph Goebbels to illustrate how propaganda, public manipulation, and the silencing of dissenting voices can pave the way for authoritarian rule.
He warned that Nigeria appears to be “sleepwalking into the lion’s den,” as citizens become increasingly desensitised to governance failures and political excesses.
Utomi further decried what he described as the collapse of values in public life, where corruption is normalised and ethical conduct is no longer rewarded.
He noted that professionals such as academics and medical practitioners are undervalued compared to political office holders, reflecting a distorted national value system.
To reverse the trend, he called for far-reaching reforms, including strengthening the rule of law, ensuring judicial independence, promoting civic education, and rebuilding civil society institutions.
He emphasised the need for a cultural shift that prioritises integrity, competence, and service over patronage and opportunism.
Utomi also urged elder statesmen and thought leaders to take a more active role in confronting the current crisis, stressing that silence or neutrality in the face of moral challenges only deepens national decline.
“Those who aid and abet are not necessarily wicked or greedy,” he said, “but history will judge those who fail to act when it matters most.”
Despite the grim outlook, Utomi expressed cautious optimism that Nigeria can still change course, drawing parallels with countries like India that have successfully navigated periods of crisis and emerged stronger.
He called for urgent, collective action to rebuild democratic institutions, restore public trust, and place Nigeria on a path of sustainable development.
