“All Our Politicians Are Religious Nutjobs” — Seun Kuti Criticizes INEC and Nigerian Politicians Over Political Suppression
Wafricnews - June 5, 2025
Lagos, Nigeria – Outspoken Afrobeat artist and political firebrand Seun Kuti has launched a searing critique of Nigeria’s political establishment, accusing both elected officials and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of systematically stifling democratic progress and promoting religious fanaticism over governance.
In a no-holds-barred Instagram Live session, Kuti condemned INEC for failing to reopen voter registration portals since 2019, calling it a deliberate move to suppress political participation, especially among young Nigerians.
“Since 2019, INEC has refused to open the registration portal,” Kuti said. “They don’t want Nigerians to grow politically.”
Kuti, the youngest son of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, did not stop at election logistics. He extended his critique to the ideological state of the country’s political class, declaring that Nigeria is wholly overrun by conservative, right-wing ideologies with no room for progressive or leftist alternatives.
“Nigeria has no left. Nigeria is full of conservative right-wing politicians,” Kuti said. “We have right-wing fascist politicians only.”
He accused INEC of reinforcing this imbalance, suggesting the electoral body has helped entrench a narrow, oppressive political structure.
Kuti’s commentary grew even more scathing as he turned his focus directly to Nigeria’s political elites, describing them as “mad” and blinded by religious extremism.
“All our politicians are religious nutjobs. All of them – religion don scatter their brains,” he declared. “These are mad people who would kill to stay in power.”
Using Rivers State as a case study, Kuti claimed that the current mode of governance in parts of the country resembles fascist military rule, not democratic leadership.
“Rivers State is the symbol of right-wing fascism in Africa,” he said. “This is ‘my way or the highway’ politics — complete with killings and the use of military force.”
Kuti, long known for continuing his father’s legacy of musical resistance and radical critique of the state, emphasized the urgent need for alternative political voices and genuine Pan-Africanist leadership in Nigeria. According to him, none of the current political leaders represent the ideological vision necessary for continental liberation.
“INEC has brought us into right-wing fascist politics,” he warned. “None of them are Pan-Africanists. Not one.”
WafricNews reached out to INEC for comment on Kuti’s allegations, but no response was received at the time of publication.
As political tensions simmer in the lead-up to future elections, Kuti’s remarks have reignited a national conversation on electoral inclusion, ideological diversity, and the deep entanglement between politics and religion in Africa’s most populous nation.
By WafricNews Desk.
By WafricNews Desk.
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