Nigeria faces institutional decay and political instability risks

Political analysts and scholars are warning of a potential societal breakdown in Nigeria due to the erosion of democratic institutions and the perceived capture of the state by criminal networks.

Speaking at the 22nd Nigeria Guild of Editors Conference, political economist Prof. Pat Utomi cautioned that if the electoral process and legal frameworks continue to lose public credibility, the country risks a serious crisis. Utomi emphasized that elections must legitimize government to be meaningful, noting that when citizens lose confidence in the ability to influence society through voting, frustration may manifest as destruction.

Other observers have highlighted a trend of state capture, where criminal networks manipulate bureaucracy and public institutions for private interest. Concerns have been raised regarding the conduct of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), with reports of intimidation and provocative rhetoric directed at political opponents. There are growing fears that the normalization of abnormal political practices is increasing the cost of business and weakening national stability.