![](https://admin.idealgist.com/images/pat.jpg)
Nigeria not a working democracy, says Pat Utomi
Because there are no "real" political parties in Nigeria, according to renowned political economy professor Pat Utomi, the country is not a functioning democracy.
According to Utomi, the concentration on elections as a means of seizing power is unique to Nigeria.
He revealed this on Tuesday during an appearance on Arise TV.
He declared, "We are trying to get Nigeria's democracy functioning before people start talking about the next election. Right now, it isn't." Nations develop via the formation of political parties, not by waiting for the next election cycle.
"I can state without any sense of guilt that Nigeria does not currently have a political party. Since199, we have been able to combine forces to create a platform for machine politics, in which the object of the game is to acquire power—rightly or wrongly—and divide the spoils.
He continued by saying that he had discussed a merger to improve the nation with the front-runners in the general elections of 2023.
His words: I've had important talks over the past week with Mr. Peter Obi, Engr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
"My stance on this is very clear: let's create a fantastic party that can improve Nigeria. After it is constructed, those who are interested in participating can do so. People from various social movements as well as political parties that unite under this one party and adhere to specific values and ideologies about how to build a nation can then present.
"This is what Nigeria needs and must have; Nigerians will decide that. It shouldn't be about some individuals promoting themselves as the ones who should lead the country."