Former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mark Jacob, has lamented the state of politics in Nigeria, declaring that what exists today is not politics but a chaotic scramble for public office.
Speaking to newsmen in Kaduna on Wednesday, Jacob, who also once served as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Kaduna State, criticized what he described as a collapse of political values and integrity among those seeking leadership.
“Anybody can use fine words to preach sermons,” he stated, “but in politics, it’s hard to separate the messenger from the message. I personally do not trust many of those who claim they want to rescue Nigeria. Their track records—both in public service and even within their households—reveal who they truly are.”
He continued, “It’s difficult to reconcile their lofty rhetoric with their questionable characters. That’s why their message rings hollow to people like me.”
PDP Still Nigeria’s Most Viable Political Platform
Despite the apparent dysfunction in the political landscape, Jacob maintained that the PDP remains Nigeria’s most viable political structure.
“There is no alternative to the PDP,” he asserted. “It is the only party with a presence in every ward across the country. From infrastructure to education and healthcare, everything meaningful in my region was delivered under PDP rule.”
He further criticized the rampant defection among politicians, saying many of them lack any record of tangible impact in their constituencies.
“Politics should be about serving the people, not individuals chasing personal benefits. What we’re seeing is transactional politics—people switching parties because they didn’t get what they wanted.”
Atiku’s Exit a Blessing for PDP
Jacob did not hold back in his assessment of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s role within the PDP.
“Some individuals, like Atiku, have become serious obstacles within the party. I personally celebrated when he left. He always wanted to be the flag bearer, making it impossible for true internal democracy to thrive. Now, with his exit, we can have credible primary elections that reflect the true will of party members.”
Nigeria’s Political Decline Under Buhari
Reflecting on the country’s democratic journey, Jacob said that the eight-year administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari significantly damaged the political fabric of the nation.
“All the democratic gains from 1999 to 2015 were erased under Buhari,” he said. “He and his clique reversed our progress, putting the country in reverse gear and stepping on the accelerator.”
He expressed sympathy for President Bola Tinubu, saying the current administration is attempting to reposition the country but through questionable methods.
“I pity Tinubu. He is trying to strategize and rebuild, but the tools and methods he’s using are unethical and misguided,” Jacob remarked.
In his final assessment, he stated, “Politics in Nigeria died under Buhari. The political growth of this country was completely distorted. What we have now is a shell of what democracy should be.”
