In a fiery statement that has reignited public discourse on Nigeria’s democratic integrity, Afrobeat musician and political activist Seun Kuti unleashed a blistering attack on the country’s political establishment, describing its leaders as “religious nutjobs” and accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of purposefully restricting political participation.
Speaking during a recent Instagram Live session, the outspoken son of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti did not mince words as he tore into Nigeria’s electoral and governance structures.
He accused INEC of systematically stalling political progress by failing to reopen the voter registration portal since 2019—a move he alleges is a strategic ploy to disenfranchise young Nigerians and curb their political involvement.
“Brothers and sisters, since 2019, INEC has not opened any registration portal,” Kuti lamented. “Instead, they register people up and down. INEC has refused to open the portal. They don’t want Nigerians to grow politically.”
The Seun expressed deep frustration at what he described as a political landscape bereft of ideological diversity. According to Kuti, the overwhelming dominance of conservative forces has suffocated progressive and leftist ideas in Nigeria, leaving the nation with what he termed “right-wing fascist politicians.”
“With the three political systems that are there, INEC cannot change anything. We need more political voices,” he said. “Nigeria has no left. Nigeria is full of conservative right-wing politicians. We have right-wing fascist politicians only.”
Kuti also took aim at the conduct of elected officials, whom he described as “mad people” driven by religious fanaticism and authoritarian tendencies. He cited the situation in Rivers State as a glaring example of what he called “fascist governance,” accusing politicians of ruling with impunity, engaging in state-sponsored violence, and using militarized tactics to stifle opposition.
“Mad people that would kill people! I mean, look at Rivers State. That’s a fascist way of governance. That is a right-wing government style. ‘My way or the highway’ – they start killing people, shooting in certain states, and bringing military administration,” he said.
The singer didn’t hold back in his sweeping condemnation of Nigeria’s political elite, claiming their fixation on religion has warped their ability to lead rationally.
“All our politicians are religious nutjobs. All of them, religion don scatter their brains,” he said bluntly. “Rivers State is the symbol of right-wing fascism in Africa. INEC has brought us into right-wing fascist politics. They are all right-wing. Right, totally right-wing. None of them are Pan-Africanists.”
Kuti’s remarks come amid growing public dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s political class and the electoral process, particularly among young voters who played a pivotal role in recent electoral cycles but continue to face systemic barriers to full participation.
While INEC has yet to officially respond to Kuti’s claims, the agency has been under pressure from civil society groups and youth organizations to reopen continuous voter registration in preparation for future elections.
Critics argue that the failure to do so not only disenfranchises millions but also undermines the very foundation of Nigeria’s democracy.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
As always, Seun Kuti’s passionate commentary reflects a broader yearning among many Nigerians—especially the youth—for meaningful political reform, ideological diversity, and a departure from what many see as an outdated, oppressive political order.
