Power to Poison: How Toxic Politics Is Destroying Nigeria’s Democracy and Future

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

Nigeria’s political landscape in 2025 is best described as a battlefield of corruption, impunity, and institutional decay. Toxic politics has infested all arms of government—from the executive to the legislature and the judiciary—crippling national development and eroding public trust. Power is no longer a tool for service; it has become a weapon for suppression, self-enrichment, and systemic injustice. As the nation grapples with economic stagnation and widespread insecurity, the conduct of its political elite continues to alienate the populace and entrench hopelessness.

Executive Overreach: A Democracy Under Siege

In March 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stunned the nation by declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, Nigeria’s oil-producing heartland. The federal government suspended the duly elected governor, deputy governor, and all members of the state assembly, citing uncontained pipeline vandalism and militant activities. In their place, a retired vice admiral was appointed to oversee the state’s affairs for six months.

This executive action, seen by many as a constitutional overreach, drew swift condemnation from legal experts, civil society, and opposition leaders. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) described the act as “a dangerous usurpation of democratic authority and a slide toward authoritarianism.” Legal analysts warned that allowing the president to unilaterally suspend elected officials under vague security pretenses sets a terrifying precedent—one where democracy can be dismantled on a whim.

The international community, including the African Union and ECOWAS, expressed concern over the erosion of Nigeria’s federal structure. While Tinubu’s administration defended its move as necessary to restore order, many see it as a political maneuver to neutralize dissent in a state known for opposition leanings.

The Rot in the Legislature: Corruption, Sexism, and Retribution
Toxicity in the legislative arm was on full display when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment and political intimidation. Rather than addressing the serious allegations, the Senate retaliated by suspending her for six months over unrelated claims of “disruptive behavior.” The timing of the suspension raised widespread suspicion, and critics described it as a blatant abuse of parliamentary power.

The suspension ignited protests across the country under the slogan “We Are All Natasha.” Women’s groups and human rights organizations condemned the Senate’s action as misogynistic and retaliatory, exposing the entrenched patriarchy within Nigeria’s highest lawmaking body. Despite boasting over 100 senators, only about 8% are women, a glaring statistic that reflects the systemic barriers to female political participation.

Meanwhile, numerous legislators continue to face allegations of budget padding, contract inflation, and illegal constituency project allocations—yet few have been held accountable. The legislature has become a sanctuary for corrupt elites, shielded by procedural immunity and partisan loyalty.

Judiciary on Trial: Corruption, Compromise, and Complicity
The judiciary, theoretically the last hope of the common man, has not been spared. In 2024, the National Judicial Council (NJC) sanctioned multiple judges—two were compulsorily retired for falsifying their ages, and two others suspended for bribery-related offenses. But these internal corrective measures have failed to cleanse the judiciary of its deep-seated corruption.

A damning report by the National Bureau of Statistics in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in late 2024 ranked the judiciary as Nigeria’s most corrupt institution. Judges were found to be the highest recipients of bribes, surpassing police officers and tax officials.

This perception is damaging not just for the judiciary but for the rule of law itself. Lengthy trial procedures, endless adjournments, and politically influenced verdicts have become the norm. In several high-profile corruption cases, suspects walked free due to “lack of evidence,” despite overwhelming public documentation and media investigations.

The Patience Jonathan Saga: Power, Privilege, and Injustice
In a disturbing episode that underscores Nigeria’s elite impunity, former First Lady Patience Jonathan reportedly had several of her aides imprisoned for six years over allegations of stealing her jewelry—items that, according to investigative reports, were themselves acquired from looted public funds.

These aides, held without fair trial or substantive evidence, were denied basic legal rights. It was only after a protracted legal battle and pressure from human rights organizations that the truth began to emerge: not only were the allegations fabricated, but the items in question were part of illicitly acquired assets linked to public funds looted during her husband’s administration.

This saga is not just a tale of personal vendetta—it is a chilling reminder of how power in Nigeria is often weaponized against the powerless. The victims were collateral damage in a broader culture of impunity, where the elite operate above the law while ordinary citizens suffer the consequences of their greed and abuse.

Economic Cost of Corruption: A Nation Bleeding
Nigeria’s economic woes are inseparable from its political corruption. The Anti-Corruption Agencies of Nigeria estimate that over $18 billion is lost annually to graft and financial crimes—an amount equivalent to nearly 4% of Nigeria’s GDP in 2022. The impact is felt across every sector: failing hospitals, underfunded schools, collapsed infrastructure, and rising poverty.

Notable scandals like the Malabu Oil deal, the $2.1 billion arms deal under former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki, and Diezani Alison-Madueke’s luxury asset seizures in the UK and US have become symbols of elite plunder. In 2025, the U.S. repatriated $52.88 million in assets linked to Alison-Madueke, including high-end real estate and a luxury yacht. While such recoveries are welcome, they are mere drops in an ocean of stolen wealth.

Anti-Corruption Battles: Justice or Just Optics?
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) boasts over 1,000 convictions, but critics argue that many are token victories. The agency is frequently accused of being a political tool—swift to prosecute opposition figures but slow to act against allies of the ruling party.

Institutional weaknesses plague anti-corruption efforts. The EFCC and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) are underfunded, politically manipulated, and struggle with outdated laws. Most corruption trials stretch for years, with wealthy defendants exploiting legal loopholes and endless adjournments.

The Way Forward: Reforms or Ruin
To break the cycle of toxic politics, Nigeria must pursue deep institutional reforms. These include:

Judicial Independence: Secure tenure and adequate funding for judges, alongside digital case management systems to prevent manipulation and delay.

Legislative Accountability: Open parliament sessions, public access to legislative votes, and stringent asset declarations.

Executive Restraint: Clear constitutional limits on presidential powers, with stronger checks from state governments and civil society.

Civic Engagement: Mass civic education and support for independent media to foster public awareness and accountability.

International Partnerships: Continued collaboration with global agencies for asset tracking, prosecution, and repatriation.

Nigeria can draw lessons from countries like Botswana and Rwanda, which have significantly reduced corruption through technology-driven governance, transparent budgeting, and rigorous law enforcement.

A Nation at the Crossroads
Nigeria’s political class has turned public office into a theatre of toxic ambition and moral bankruptcy. The executive abuses power, the legislature is riddled with corruption, and the judiciary is compromised. This triad of dysfunction not only sabotages national progress but endangers the very fabric of the democratic state.

Only a united citizenry, armed with truth, vigilance, and civic action, can reclaim Nigeria from the grip of political decay. The time to act is now—before the last remnants of justice, equity, and accountability are completely extinguished.

Tinubu Moves to Fill Foreign Missions: Fani-Kayode, Pedro Among Nominees Undergoing DSS Vetting

The Federal Government has commenced a crucial vetting exercise for potential ambassadors to fill Nigeria’s 109 diplomatic missions, comprising 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates across the globe.

Sources close to the presidency confirmed that the process is already underway, with high-profile nominees such as former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode and former Lagos Deputy Governor Femi Pedro among those undergoing security screening.

Rather than a centralized assessment, nominees are reportedly being directed to the nearest offices of the Department of State Services (DSS) for background checks and verification of personal, academic, and work histories.

“They’re already doing security checks with DSS. When they have cleared security checks, we will release the list. Only those who have been cleared are announced,” a senior presidency official disclosed on condition of anonymity.

According to the source, the list of final nominees is expected before the end of April.

Diplomacy on Hold: Missions Still Without Ambassadors Since 2023

Since September 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has operated Nigeria’s foreign policy—framed around the 4Ds: Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora—without ambassadors. This followed a sweeping recall of over 83 envoys during a reassessment of Nigeria’s diplomatic strategy.

Although sources said the President reviewed nominations during the 2023 December holidays, insiders revealed that the release of the final list was stalled in January 2024 due to severe funding constraints.

$1bn Gap: Infrastructure, Overheads Cripple Foreign Service

The absence of a consolidated ambassadorial list has been largely attributed to a staggering $1 billion financial shortfall, needed to settle accumulated foreign service arrears, overheads, dilapidated embassy infrastructure, and obsolete vehicles.

“Most of those embassies, almost 90 per cent, are rundown. Either the residence is uninhabitable or the office has no power or running water. Some ambassadors don’t even have serviceable vehicles,” one top official said.

Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar echoed the same sentiment at a previous briefing, stating,

“There is no point sending out ambassadors if you do not have the funds for them to even travel to their designated countries. One needs funding to run these missions effectively.”

Who’s on the List? Insiders Spill on Big Names and Big Surprises

While the full list remains tightly under wraps, sources confirmed several notable nominees, including:

• Femi Fani-Kayode – Former Minister of Aviation

• Femi Pedro – Ex-Deputy Governor of Lagos State

• Fola Adeola – Founder of Guaranty Trust Bank

There were also unconfirmed reports of former presidential aide Reno Omokri being on the list, but credible presidency sources dismissed this.

“Reno is not on the list. But FFK is there,” a source clarified.

Why the Vetting Matters

Officials stress that the vetting process is essential to prevent future diplomatic embarrassments and ensure Nigeria’s global representation remains credible.

“This is about protecting the image of the country. Every nominee is undergoing background checks to make sure they’re fit to represent Nigeria on the world stage,” a source noted.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, also emphasized the need for diligence.

“Ambassadorial appointments involve both career and political nominees. Every name has to be carefully vetted before transmission to the National Assembly.”

With the clock ticking and diplomatic gaps still unfilled, all eyes are on the presidency as the nation awaits the official rollout of ambassadors to reposition Nigeria on the global stage.

A Visionary Leader of Purpose and Compassion: Hon. Ekos Akpokabayen’s Impact Across Continents

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

In a world where influence is often measured by wealth, power, and political might, it is rare to find individuals who combine these attributes with genuine humility, an unwavering commitment to service, and a heart dedicated to giving back to society. One such rare gem is Hon. Ekos Akpokabayen—a seasoned business mogul, Chief Investment Officer at Ovid Capital, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) South Africa Chapter, and an ardent philanthropist whose work spans both Nigeria and South Africa.

Hon. Akpokabayen’s story is not merely about professional success but about purposeful living. From his stronghold in the financial sector to his leadership in political and community spaces, he has consistently leveraged his influence and resources to uplift others. As an individual who believes in the transformative power of education, health, and community development, his ongoing philanthropic initiatives in 2024 and 2025 reflect his deep understanding of the needs of the people and his relentless desire to address them.

The Business Leader with Vision
As Chief Investment Officer at Ovid Capital, Hon. Akpokabayen has played a significant role in shaping investment strategies and financial growth in key sectors. His professional background in finance, bolstered by his academic foundation (MSc in Finance), places him at the forefront of strategic investment in Africa. Ovid Capital, under his leadership, continues to explore viable investment opportunities with a keen focus on sustainable development, job creation, and innovation.

Yet, despite his corporate achievements, Hon. Akpokabayen remains grounded in community service—a trait that distinguishes him as a leader of both influence and integrity.

Political Leadership Rooted in Service
Hon. Akpokabayen’s role as Chairman of the PDP South Africa Chapter is a testament to his commitment to political advocacy and diaspora engagement. In this capacity, he has provided a platform for Nigerians in South Africa to remain politically connected and empowered, while also advocating for better policies and representation of the Nigerian diaspora. His political journey reflects a belief in democracy, inclusiveness, and collective progress.

More than just occupying political office, he embodies the values of grassroots mobilization and participatory leadership. By ensuring the voices of Nigerians abroad are heard, he strengthens the bridge between the homeland and its global citizens.

Philanthropy That Transcends Borders
Hon. Akpokabayen’s philanthropic footprint is both wide and impactful, with initiatives that cut across educational development, healthcare, empowerment, and social welfare. His most recent and ongoing projects underscore a consistent pattern of giving and transformative outreach.

1. The UDU Essay Competition and Medical Outreach (Delta State, Nigeria)
One of his notable interventions in Nigeria is the UDU Essay Competition targeting secondary school students in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State. This initiative aims to encourage academic excellence, critical thinking, and intellectual engagement among youth. By offering students a platform to express themselves and win prizes, he not only invests in education but also inspires the next generation of leaders.

Complementing this academic initiative is a robust medical outreach program in Udu. Which being organized in early 2025, the outreach provided free medical care to hundreds of residents, many of whom lack access to basic healthcare. Medical professionals, volunteers, and logistical support teams came together under his leadership to deliver services ranging from general checkups to more specialized treatments. For a community long neglected in terms of health infrastructure, this program was nothing short of lifesaving.

2. Back-to-School Program (Johannesburg, South Africa)
Understanding the challenges many immigrant families face in South Africa, Hon. Akpokabayen extended his philanthropy to students in Johannesburg through his “Back-to-School” program. Held in January 2025, the initiative targeted disadvantaged children in Barnato Park High School and Berea Primary School—both institutions located in inner-city Johannesburg where many African immigrant children study.

The program distributed school supplies, uniforms, and educational materials, ensuring that students began the school year with dignity and the tools they need to succeed. It was a direct response to the financial hardships faced by many families and a reaffirmation of his commitment to education as a tool of empowerment.

3. Empowerment Program for Warri Community in South Africa (WCSA)
In a significant gesture of economic upliftment, Hon. Akpokabayen launched an empowerment program tailored specifically for members of the Warri Community in South Africa (WCSA). Seven individuals were each granted R15,000.00—funds intended to support their small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures. This initiative illustrates his focus on sustainable impact, as it seeks to provide beneficiaries with the means to achieve financial independence and contribute positively to society.

By channeling resources into community development, he not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters a culture of self-reliance and enterprise.

Leadership Through Humility
Perhaps what most endears Hon. Akpokabayen to the people is not just what he does, but how he does it. Despite his stature, he remains remarkably humble and accessible. Whether attending community events, mentoring youths, or visiting project sites, he engages with sincerity and compassion. His presence inspires trust and his words, often filled with encouragement, reflect deep empathy.

This humility, combined with a results-oriented approach, has earned him admiration across political divides and professional circles. It is also why his projects enjoy local participation and long-term sustainability—people believe in his vision because he walks the talk.

A Call to Support and Emulate
In times when leadership is often marred by self-interest and disconnection from the grassroots, Hon. Akpokabayen stands as a shining example of how power can be used for good. His actions speak to a larger philosophy: that true leadership is about service, that progress begins with people, and that greatness lies in giving back.

As he continues to chart paths across business, politics, and philanthropy, there is a growing call for others to emulate his model. Governments, private individuals, and the Nigerian diaspora must come together to support initiatives that uplift communities, especially in underprivileged and marginalized areas.

Legacy in the Making
Hon. Ekos Akpokabayen is not just a man of the moment; he is a man of legacy. His work in 2024 and 2025 affirms a lifelong mission to transform lives through vision, action, and love for humanity. Whether in Delta State or Johannesburg, in boardrooms or community halls, his impact resonates deeply with those he serves.

As Africa—and indeed the world—searches for leaders with integrity, compassion, and courage, Hon. Akpokabayen’s journey reminds us that greatness is not just about titles, but about how many lives are touched for the better.