The State Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kano State, Hussaini Isa Mairiga, has resigned from both his position and membership of the party, expressing disillusionment over what he described as the “total collapse of internal democracy” and a “loss of moral direction” in Nigeria’s political landscape.
In a letter dated October 19 and addressed to the SDP National Chairman, Mairiga said his decision followed what he called deep reflection on the state of the nation’s politics, lamenting that the system had become one driven by greed and self-interest rather than service to the people.
“Our democracy has been hijacked by those who view politics as a business enterprise, not as a vehicle for service to humanity,” Mairiga stated.
He accused political actors across party lines of promoting personal enrichment and political patronage, noting that the ideals that once defined his commitment to public service had been “completely eroded by internal manipulation and opportunism.”
The former secretary also lamented the growing influence of external forces in opposition politics, warning that such interference had created needless divisions within parties.
“Internal divisions in many opposition parties are being fuelled by external influences deliberately aimed at weakening their unity and credibility,” he alleged.
Mairiga described the current situation in the SDP as a “severe leadership crisis”, with multiple factions laying claim to the party’s legitimate leadership structure.
He added that the internal wrangling had “eroded public confidence in the SDP and crippled its ability to stand as a credible alternative to the ruling party.”
Expressing broader concerns about Nigeria’s democratic trajectory, the former SDP official said the country’s political system had strayed far from its founding ideals of transparency, accountability, and justice.
“Until our political class returns to the principles of truth, transparency, and service, Nigeria’s democracy will remain fragile and uninspiring,” he warned.
