Victor Okhai Criticizes Nigeria’s Political Parties, Calls for Integrity and Ideological Focus
Victor Okhai, a prominent global affairs analyst, has criticized the political landscape in Nigeria, stating that political parties in the country lack clear ideologies that should guide their activities and beliefs. Okhai’s comments came during an interview on Arise News on Monday, where he also addressed broader issues within Nigeria’s political system, including the lack of integrity that he believes hampers the country’s progress.
Okhai argued that political parties in Nigeria are often merely “Special Purpose Vehicles” (SPVs), used primarily for acquiring power rather than representing coherent, long-term ideological positions. According to him, the absence of guiding principles within political parties is a fundamental flaw that undermines the nation’s democratic processes. He said, “In Nigeria, political parties are nothing but SPVs, Special Purpose Vehicles for acquiring power. So the issue of ideology is out the window. It is what it is. We have to face the fact that, unfortunately, that’s what the situation is in Nigeria.”
In contrast, Okhai praised the political systems of Ghana and other countries, pointing out that their political parties are typically built around solid ideological foundations. He noted that in nations like Ghana, political parties offer a platform for citizens to align with specific beliefs and policies, fostering loyalty and growth within those parties. “But the Ghanaians, not just in Ghana but across the globe, parties are ideologically based. People stay in them and grow in them,” he said. Okhai highlighted that this ideological clarity was something missing in Nigeria’s political sphere.
Integrity as a Limiting Factor in Nigerian Politics
A major point of contention for Okhai is the role of integrity in Nigeria’s political process. He stated that integrity remains the biggest limiting factor in the country’s political landscape, suggesting that the absence of ethical leadership has led to a cycle of short-term power grabs, rather than long-term policy development and governance. “Integrity is our biggest problem here,” Okhai stressed, pointing out that the focus on power acquisition at all costs has led to a lack of accountability and transparency.
Reflections on Ghana’s 2024 Presidential Election
Okhai also commented on the recent presidential election in Ghana, where there was a notable shift in power, signaling a desire for change among the electorate. He emphasized that the election was a significant moment for the young people of Ghana, many of whom were dissatisfied with the current administration and used their votes to demand a change in leadership. “This is an election for the young people of Ghana. They were the ones that decided this election. Many of them were fed up with the way things were going and they wanted change,” Okhai said.
He further described the election results as a “vote of no confidence” on the sitting administration, with the electorate expressing their dissatisfaction through the democratic process. “It was obvious. It was more like a vote of no confidence on the administration. The Ghanaian people spoke, the electoral body respected it, and democracy has won at the end of the day,” Okhai concluded, applauding the electoral process in Ghana for respecting the will of the people.
A Call for Reform in Nigeria’s Political System
Okhai’s statements reflect a broader concern about the state of democracy in Nigeria, where many citizens feel disconnected from political parties and frustrated by a lack of ideological clarity in the country’s leadership. His critique underscores the need for structural reforms that prioritize integrity, transparency, and the development of strong political platforms based on clear, enduring ideologies. As Nigeria moves forward, the question of how to foster a political culture that encourages genuine public service and ideological commitment remains central to the country’s future democratic prospects.
