EXCLUSIVE — Legal practitioner and political analyst, Barrister Darlington, has condemned the culture of selfishness and personal gain that dominates Nigeria’s electoral process, saying it is one of the biggest obstacles to achieving credible and transparent elections in the country.
Speaking during a live program on VOP TV, Darlington criticized both political leaders and voters for prioritizing immediate personal benefits over long-term national progress.
“Election in Nigeria: ‘I want it now, now! Let me benefit first.’ Selfish interests are the problem — snatch and run with it,” he lamented.
He explained that this mindset fuels corruption, vote-buying, and electoral violence, as many participants in the process — from politicians to ordinary citizens — approach elections as opportunities to grab what they can, rather than build a sustainable democratic system.
According to Darlington, the failure to place national interest above personal ambition has kept Nigeria trapped in a cycle of poor leadership, broken promises, and voter apathy.
“Until Nigerians begin to see leadership as service, and not a jackpot, elections will continue to produce the same results — disappointment and mistrust,” he stated.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and civil society organizations to intensify voter education and promote ethical participation, emphasizing that democracy can only thrive when citizens demand integrity and accountability from leaders.
“The change we seek won’t come from new faces alone — it will come when our mindset changes,” he concluded.
Observers say Darlington’s remarks reflect growing frustration among Nigerians over the commercialization of politicsand the lack of genuine reform in the electoral system.
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