Nigerian Political Parties Operate Like Private Companies Owned By Few – Sani

Former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, has weighed in on Nigeria’s political party system, describing parties as “private companies” controlled by a few powerful individuals, warning that attempts to take over existing platforms often lead to crisis and internal conflict.

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Sani made the remarks in a post shared on his verified Facebook page where he reflected on the challenges facing opposition politics in the country.

According to him, “Political parties in Nigeria are like private companies. They are owned and controlled by some people. To just jump in and take over a party that you have not been part of its formation comes with crisis.”

The former lawmaker said he had, in 2025, listened to an interview by Adamawa-based opposition figure, Umar Ardo, who advised opposition leaders to form a new party rather than adopt an existing one.

“Sometimes in 2025, I listened to an interview granted by one of the opposition figures from Adamawa State, Dr Umar Ardo, where he strongly suggested that the opposition should register a new political party. He envisioned the trouble, crisis and mischief of adopting an existing one. He was ignored,” Sani wrote.

He cited the experiences of former governor of Anambra State Peter Obi in the Labour Party and former Kako State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso in the New Nigeria Peoples Party as examples of the complications that arise when politicians join pre-existing parties.

Sani contrasted the current situation of opposition parties with the build-up to the 2015 general elections, noting that opposition figures at the time chose to form a new political platform rather than adopt existing ones.

“The opposition figures in 2014 were wiser. They refused to adopt Buhari’s CPC or Tinubu’s ACN; they came together and formed a new virgin party where there was no ‘first husband’ and where everyone is equal,” he stated.

The former senator further described Nigerian politics as deeply adversarial, saying political actors rarely support rivals or concede defeat gracefully.

“In the contest for power, no one creates a smooth path for his adversary or helps his adversary. Your opponent will always look for a crack in your defence and score his goal,” he said.

On post-election conduct, Sani added, “No political leader in Nigeria has ever lost election and congratulated the winner, only Jonathan did. There may not be another GEJ.”

He also lamented what he described as the abandonment of leaders after leaving office, recalling a remark by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

“The ex-president once said when he lost power, many deserted him. That is the rule of afterlife of power, but that is not right,” Sani noted.

Commenting on internal party disputes, Sani referenced a past disagreement involving Kwankwaso and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alleging that a denied promise contributed to the party’s decline.

“When Kwankwaso rejoined the PDP, they promised to give him the North West vice chairman of the party; he was later denied. That denial pulled down the party,” he wrote.

Sani also took a swipe at the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning of internal contradictions within the party.

“The ADC leaders bought a basket of fish with a snake inside. They bought a land with a ‘court case’. The ADC have no Buhari and no Asiwaju-like personality who is ready to sacrifice his own ambition for the common good of all. They are a forum of uncompromising presidential aspirants,” he stated.

He concluded by criticising members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing them of being divided in their loyalty.

“Most APC members have two koboko; one to whip Mr President and the other to whip other presidential candidates in their party,” Sani added.