Stop undermining parties while enjoying their privileges, Okutepa tells politicians

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Jibrin Okutepa, has criticised politicians who remain in political parties while allegedly working to secure electoral victories for rival parties, describing the practice as a betrayal of party members and democratic principles.

Okutepa, in a statement on Thursday, condemned what he described as political hypocrisy among Nigeria’s political elite, accusing some politicians of exploiting party membership and privileges while undermining the same platforms they claim to represent.

He argued that politicians who no longer agree with their parties’ direction should openly leave rather than remain within their ranks to frustrate their activities and support rival political interests.

According to him, changing political allegiance is not inherently wrong, but concealing such decisions while continuing to enjoy party privileges raises questions about integrity and accountability.

“There is nothing inherently wrong with changing political convictions or leaving a political party. Freedom of association includes the freedom to reconsider an allegiance. But honesty demands that those who no longer believe in a party’s direction should openly leave it,” he said.

Okutepa maintained that the alleged practice weakens internal party democracy, particularly when individuals seek nominations and other benefits from a party while allegedly working against its candidates.

He accused politicians of applying different standards to themselves and their opponents, insisting that some demand loyalty from supporters while disregarding party discipline when it conflicts with their personal ambitions.

“They demand loyalty from followers while practising disloyalty themselves. They invoke party supremacy when seeking nominations but dismiss party discipline when it obstructs their ambitions,” Okutepa said.

The legal practitioner also expressed concern that such political manoeuvres could weaken opposition parties and undermine voters’ ability to choose credible alternatives during elections.

He argued that when influential members of an opposition party are allegedly working to protect the interests of the ruling party, the opposition’s ability to scrutinise the government and hold it accountable could be compromised.

“A party cannot effectively scrutinise a government when influential figures within it are committed to protecting that government. Nor can members make meaningful choices when those entrusted with organising their party are quietly engineering its failure,” he said.

Okutepa contrasted the political manoeuvres he criticised with the everyday concerns of Nigerians, including insecurity, unemployment, poor education and limited access to healthcare.

He alleged that some politicians prioritise retaining access to power over addressing citizens’ needs, leaving party members and voters uncertain about the true loyalties of those seeking their support.

The SAN further argued that political hypocrisy extends beyond party disputes, warning that it weakens the relationship between electoral promises and accountability.

He urged Nigerians not to excuse alleged deception as political strategy, maintaining that success in political negotiations should not be treated as evidence of good leadership.

“Deception does not become statesmanship because it succeeds. A politician who betrays those who entrusted him with responsibility has demonstrated a character defect that should concern every voter, no matter which party benefits today,” he said.

Okutepa called on political parties to strengthen internal discipline, ensure transparent decision-making and encourage genuine participation by their members.

He also urged voters to assess politicians based on their conduct rather than their public declarations of loyalty, arguing that citizens should demand clarity from those seeking political office.

“Those who wish to serve another party should have the courage to say so and move openly,” he said.

He added that loyalty to a political party should not supersede national interest, while warning against the use of patriotism as a cover for undisclosed political arrangements.

Okutepa’s comments come amid political realignments and negotiations ahead of the 2027 general elections, as parties and politicians explore alliances that could reshape the country’s political landscape.