Public Outcry Greets Donald Duke’s Revelation on Political Ritual Killings

​Former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke’s recent disclosure that some Nigerian politicians resort to human sacrifice in their desperate bid for power has ignited a fierce national debate, drawing sharp reactions from elder statesmen, civil society groups, and political analysts ahead of the 2027 general elections.

​Speaking during an appearance on Arise News television’s Morning Show, Duke recounted discovering human remains, including skulls and body parts, inside the residence of a local government chairman during his tenure as governor. He argued that the transformation of politics into a high-stakes, “do-or-die” occupation rather than a vocation has severely eroded democratic values.

​The explosive remarks have prompted widespread condemnation and urgent calls for institutional reform. Stakeholders across the political spectrum have emphasized that no electoral victory justifies the loss of human life, urging law enforcement agencies to move beyond rhetoric and launch comprehensive investigations into politically connected deaths and ritual practices.

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​Political scientists and community leaders noted that the persistence of such allegations highlights a dangerous intersection of criminality, superstition, and an entrenched “winner-takes-all” political culture. Analysts suggest that until public office becomes less lucrative and elections depend entirely on the credible mandate of the electorate rather than intimidation or occult practices, the incentives for desperate behavior will remain high.

​Civil society organizations have similarly demanded stronger intelligence gathering, better protection for whistleblowers, and the strict disqualification of candidates linked to violence or electoral malpractice, insisting that Nigeria’s democratic integrity depends on absolute accountability and the absolute sanctity of human life.