2027: Competent Nigerians shut out by costly politics, leadership expert says

Convener of the Leadership Renaissance Forum, Dr. Robert Abdullahi Johnson, has raised concerns over the growing monetisation of Nigeria’s political process, warning that many competent and visionary Nigerians are being shut out of leadership positions because they lack the financial resources to compete.

Johnson said the increasing cost of seeking political office has created a system that favours money over merit, making it difficult for capable individuals with the potential to transform the country to emerge as leaders.

He spoke in Abuja at the Leadership Renaissance Forum themed “Reimagining Leadership for National Development,” a gathering aimed at inspiring transformative thinking and promoting purpose-driven leadership across Nigeria and Africa.

According to him, Nigeria’s persistent developmental challenges are not the result of a lack of resources but are rooted in poor leadership and a political system that often sidelines qualified individuals.

“There is nothing wrong with Nigeria. There is nothing wrong with our land, our weather or our resources. Nigeria is a blessed country. Yet we continue to lag behind because of poor leadership,” he said.

Johnson argued that leadership remains the most important factor in national development, noting that nations rise or fall largely on the quality of those entrusted with positions of authority.

He lamented that many people occupying leadership positions across various sectors are inadequately prepared for the responsibilities they hold, resulting in failures that continue to affect governance and national progress.

“Our vision is to educate leadership and build leadership. As leadership experts have often said, everything rises and falls on leadership,” he stated.

The leadership expert maintained that good leaders do not emerge accidentally and must be deliberately identified, nurtured and supported by society.

He stressed that the current political environment has made the process of attaining public office increasingly dependent on financial strength rather than competence, character and vision.

“So much money has been loaded into the process of seeking political office. The man or woman who may have what it takes to lead Nigeria to greatness may not have the resources to gain visibility or emerge through the political process,” he said.