Why psychiatrists are needed in Nigerian politics —Commonwealth Director

The Director of the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced & Professional Studies, Prof. Anthony Kila, has described the recent internal clashes within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a clear sign of systemic dysfunction in Nigeria’s political party structure.

Speaking on Arise News on Wednesday, Kila condemned the conduct of party elites during parallel meetings at Wadata Plaza, saying their actions showed a collapse of civility, democratic values, and internal discipline.

“What we saw is a show of shame in both form and process.

“The issues may be legitimate, but they expose deep flaws within the Nigerian partisan political elite,” he said.

Kila criticised politicians for deploying police officers “as thugs,” engaging in shouting matches, physical altercations, and issuing expulsions at will, adding that such behaviour proves many actors are driven solely by a desire for power.

He joked that the situation reveals a shortage of professional input in politics:
“A lot of psychiatrists are not where they ought to be.

“It might be a good idea to have a law requiring every party to appoint a lead house psychiatrist to manage internal issues.”

Kila stressed that the dysfunction is not exclusive to the PDP.

“This today is the PDP; it could be anybody tomorrow.

“Most political parties in Nigeria share these uncivilised and uninspiring traits. It is a system problem,” he said.

The crisis intensified after factional National Chairman Kabiru Turaki and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike arrived separately for NEC and BoT meetings, prompting a confrontation that required heavy security.

This followed last weekend’s Ibadan convention, where the party expelled several prominent members—Wike, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Kamaldeen Ajibade, former Ekiti Governor Ayo Fayose, and Austin Nwachukwu—for alleged anti-party activities.

In retaliation, the Wike-aligned faction also expelled Bode George, former BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara, and Turaki himself.

Kila urged Nigerians to prioritise the health of democratic institutions, stressing that a strong opposition is essential for good governance.

“We are talking about the PDP not because we support or oppose them, but because people who value institutions and democracy must care about having a vibrant and stable opposition,” he noted.

He also weighed in on Wike’s call for the PDP to support an APC presidential candidate, saying such proposals require structured engagement.

“It is legitimate for Minister Wike to propose it, but the proper approach is dialogue. If the party agrees, fine; if not, that becomes a minority report.”