Commonwealth director says psychiatrists are needed in Nigerian politics
Prof. Anthony Kila, Director of the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced & Professional Studies, has criticised the recent clashes within the Peoples Democratic Party, saying they reveal deep dysfunction in Nigeria’s political system. Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Wednesday, he said the behaviour displayed by party leaders during the parallel meetings at Wadata Plaza showed a lack of civility, discipline, and respect for democratic processes.
Kila described the incident as a “show of shame,” stressing that the way party factions shouted, shoved, expelled members, and mobilised police officers like political thugs showed that many political actors were more interested in grabbing power than in upholding democratic values. He noted that although disagreements within parties are normal, the manner in which they are handled in Nigeria exposes deeper structural problems.
He also highlighted the lack of professional support within political parties. According to him, psychiatrists and behavioural experts should be involved in politics to help manage internal conflicts. He joked but also emphasised a serious point that every political party may need a “lead house psychiatrist” to guide members and maintain emotional stability during crises.
The drama that prompted his comments followed a major showdown between PDP factions after the arrival of the factional National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki, and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for NEC and BoT meetings. The confrontation escalated and required heavy security intervention. This came barely days after the PDP’s Ibadan convention, where high-profile members such as Wike, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Kamaldeen Ajibade, former Ekiti Governor Ayo Fayose, and Austin Nwachukwu were expelled over alleged anti-party activities.
In response, the Wike-backed faction also expelled Bode George, former BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara, and Turaki himself, deepening the crisis even further. Kila warned that this level of chaos is not unique to the PDP, saying most political parties in Nigeria share the same “uncivilised and uninspiring traits.” He noted that the issue should be viewed as a wider system failure rather than a single-party problem.
He further stressed that Nigeria needs a stable and vibrant opposition to sustain democracy. According to him, citizens who respect institutions and value democracy must care about the strength and stability of opposition parties. Without a reliable opposition, he said, democracy becomes weaker and less accountable.
Kila also addressed Nyesom Wike’s suggestion that the PDP should support an APC presidential candidate. He said the idea itself is legitimate but must follow proper procedures. He explained that such discussions should be handled internally: if the party agrees, it becomes the official stance, but if not, Wike’s position would simply be a minority opinion.
As the crisis continues, Kila’s comments have sparked widespread public discussion about the mental, emotional, and organisational health of Nigeria’s political system.
