A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Jibrin Okutepa, has criticised Nigeria’s political leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections, accusing politicians of exploiting the suffering and poverty of ordinary citizens for political advantage while abandoning them after securing power.
Okutepa made this known in a lengthy post on his X account on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, where he expressed concern over what he described as the growing betrayal of public trust by political leaders.
According to him, the Nigerian people, whose welfare should remain the primary responsibility of government, have increasingly become instruments of political campaigns, opposition criticism and struggles for public office.
He observed that politicians frequently use the poverty of the masses as campaign material, their suffering as political slogans and their votes as a means of gaining access to power, only to neglect their needs afterwards.
The senior lawyer also criticised political actors who abandon previously held principles and positions whenever political appointments, alliances or personal benefits are involved.
He questioned why ordinary Nigerians are constantly expected to make sacrifices while those entrusted with public responsibilities continue to protect their privileges.
Okutepa further condemned what he described as political hypocrisy, where opponents publicly exchange accusations but later reconcile when their personal and political interests align.
He maintained that political reconciliation should serve the public interest rather than become an avenue for abandoning accountability and protecting private interests.
The SAN also warned that widespread poverty and economic hardship make citizens vulnerable to political inducements, particularly when communities are forced to exchange their political independence for basic amenities that should ordinarily be provided as public responsibilities.
He stated:
“Nigerians are in hell in their own country.”
Okutepa called on citizens, professional associations, labour organisations, religious institutions and public commentators to uphold consistent standards of accountability, irrespective of the political party or individuals in power.
He stressed that Nigerians deserve leadership that prioritises their welfare, protects their dignity and respects their rights beyond election campaigns.
The senior lawyer maintained that the people should not be remembered only during elections but must remain at the centre of governance, public policy and political decision-making.
His comments come as political activities and conversations surrounding the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum across the country.
Source: TrackNews