Renowned Nigerian physician and political analyst, Professor Yusuf Usman, has raised alarm over the current political climate in Nigeria, likening recent events to the one-party system seen in North Korea.
Speaking at an event broadcast on television, Prof. Yusuf expressed deep concern over the surge in political endorsements and defections, describing it as a disturbing trend. “Today I’m seeing mass endorsement, mass defections. I saw it the other day, and I was telling my wife, am I in North Korea or in Nigeria?” he said.
He called the situation a “vulgar display of rascality”, and criticised the political elite for such conduct at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with poverty and economic hardship.
He reminded the audience that similar political spectacles have occurred in the past with little benefit to the nation. “Abacha was endorsed by everybody; Jonathan was endorsed by 21 parties. What happened?” he asked rhetorically. In his view, genuine leadership must rest on two pillars: the will of the people and divine approval.
Addressing the divisive role of religion and ethnicity in Nigerian politics, Yusuf argued that these factors are being manipulated for selfish ends. He cited the controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket in the last election as an example, asserting that it served political interests rather than the nation’s well-being.
In a passionate appeal to Nigerian youth, Prof. Yusuf urged them to resist division along ethnic and religious lines. “We are here to fight for what is right,” he said, even if that struggle leads to imprisonment. “And when we come out, we will come out stronger”.
