Donald Duke’s Human Sacrifice Remarks Stir Reactions 

Two chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have faulted former Cross River State Governor and Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) presidential candidate, Donald Duke, over his claim that some Nigerian politicians resort to human sacrifice and rituals in their quest for political power, describing any attempt to generalise such allegations as unfair to the entire political class.

The National Coordinator of the APC Professionals Forum, Engr. Hakeem Akintayo, and a member of the Presidential Campaign Council and National Coordinator of the Tinubu Progressive Movement, Adam Saheed, said while they would not dismiss the possibility of isolated cases of politicians engaging in questionable practices, it was wrong to paint all politicians with the same brush.

Duke had recently alleged that some Nigerian politicians resort to human sacrifice and other extreme measures in their desperate quest to acquire political power, warning that growing desperation ahead of the 2027 general elections could trigger violence and further undermine democratic values.

Reacting to the allegation, Akintayo said politicians entered public life for different reasons, with some driven by patriotism and national interest, while others were motivated by personal ambition and self-interest.

“You see, if you talk about the kind of politics that each individual wants to play, some are very nationalistic, some are parochial, and some are self-centered. Some are in politics to serve themselves. So, it depends on the kind of politics one chooses to play,” he said.

The APC chieftain, who said he had spent several years in Nigerian politics, noted that he had encountered politicians with varying attitudes and motivations, including those genuinely committed to national development and those driven by desperate personal ambitions.

“So, I, for one, have been in politics for many years now. I’ve come across different Nigerian politicians who serve interests different from the national interest. But as I said, the sky is too wide; it depends on where you want to fly in the sky,” Akintayo stated.

While saying he would not dispute Duke’s personal opinion, Akintayo insisted that Nigeria still had many patriotic and well-meaning individuals in politics who were genuinely committed to national development.

“The truth is that we still have good heads and good hearts. We still have people who love this country and want to contribute. So, one judgement of one politician should not be planted on all politicians in this country,” he said.

According to him, being a politician should not automatically attract negative perception, noting that although some individuals had over the years failed to represent the true ideals of politics, many Nigerians with genuine intentions were increasingly venturing into public service.

“Over time, we have had people who have not represented what politics should stand for. But as we have it right now, we have people who have the interest of the country and the interest of the populace at heart venturing into politics. So, we should not just discourage them,” Akintayo added.

Also reacting, Saheed described Duke’s alleged generalisation of politicians as wrong, arguing that political power ultimately comes from God and should not always be associated with rituals or other spiritual practices.

“It is not right, and I don’t think it is in order to always put political power in the context of rituals. There are people who get power from God. There are people whom God has blessed with power for a particular purpose,” Saheed said.

He maintained that both Islam and Christianity recognise God as the ultimate giver of power, adding that some individuals were destined by God to occupy positions of authority.

“Power is not something you just get from outside. It is God who gives power. Muslims believe this, and Christians believe the same. There are some people whom God has destined to get power,” he stated.

Saheed, however, said he would agree with Duke if the former governor’s allegation was limited to specific individuals found to be involved in ritual practices, but rejected any broad characterisation of Nigerian politicians.

“If he is saying some politicians are into rituals, I will agree that there may be some people like that, but that generalisation, I disagree with. The generalisation is wrong,” he said.

He further pointed out that religious leaders, including pastors and Imams, also participate actively in politics, stressing that politics should not automatically be portrayed as an arena dominated by ritual practices or immoral conduct.

“There are pastors and Imams who are into politics. It is not all the time that you say people are doing rituals simply because they are seeking or occupying political positions,” Saheed added.

Duke had earlier alleged that the desperation for political power had pushed some politicians into engaging in extreme practices, including alleged human sacrifice, warning that Nigeria must address the growing desperation surrounding elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The former governor made the remarks in Abuja during an engagement with the Council of the Wise of the Savannah Centre for Democracy, Diplomacy and Development, led by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

The APC chieftains, however, maintained that while the political system must continue to confront criminality, electoral violence and desperation for power, the conduct of a few individuals should not be used to define the entire Nigerian political class.