Retired Nigerian Army General Ishola Williams has criticised the structure of Nigeria’s political system, stating that what exists in the country are political groups rather than fully developed political parties.
Williams, who previously served as Commandant of the Training and Doctrine Command and later represented Transparency International in Nigeria, made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television aired on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
During the discussion, the retired general spoke about the nature of political organisations in Nigeria and the role of financial resources in determining leadership within those groups. “But who told you that your political party is in Nigeria? There are no political parties in Nigeria,” Williams said.
He argued that the current political formations are largely driven by individuals who possess significant financial influence. “You have political groups with people who have plenty of money, stolen money, looted money, to be the leaders of those parties,” he stated.
According to him, such individuals often rely on their financial capacity to influence political leadership and decision-making. “I’m ready to use that stolen money,” Williams added.
The retired military officer further challenged public office holders to publicly affirm their integrity regarding the management of public resources. “See, I’m looking for a governor or a minister who can beat his chest and say he has never stolen public money,” he said.
Williams stated that he was prepared to defend his comments if challenged by any political office holder. “I’m looking for war. Let any one of them take me to court. I’m ready,” he said.
He reiterated the challenge to those holding positions in government to contest his claims if they believed them to be inaccurate. “Let any one of them take me to court if they have not stolen public money, any minister or governor,” Williams stated.