By Umar Ardo
The 2027 general elections would be the 8th in the election cycle of Nigeria's political landscape since 1999. These elections have throughout been dominated by a cadre of elite who, despite their varying party affiliations, have consistently failed to address the systemic issues plaguing the country. In fact, over the years, they actually turned out to be the major problem of the country.
The politicians who occupied high echelons of power during this period, with a few exceptions, represent a recurring cycle of leadership failures that have entrenched and perpetuated poverty, illiteracy, stark inequality and exacerbated insecurity in the country.
The evidence is clear: the methods, policies and governance paradigms of these "pioneer politicians" have been insufficient to chart a transformative path for the country. As no form of alliance among them will change their political philosophy beyond mere acquisition of power for narrow interests, a major political shift is thus required - a political renewal led by a new generation group with new vision, innovation and moral clarity to redirect the political trajectory of the country!
These "pioneer politicians" simply transformed themselves into the country's ruling class, or better still ruling oligarchs, but failed to fulfill their promises of development, equity and progress. Under their leadership, the country, and especially the North, though blessed with abundant human and material resources, became a global emblem of unrealised potential, headquarters of poverty and laughing stock of the world.
Regardless of their ideological leanings or political parties, they presided over the decline of public infrastructure, the erosion of institutional integrity and the exacerbation of socio-economic disparities. These failures are not incidental but deeply rooted in their leadership ethos of prioritising personal gain over collective good.
The pioneer ruling class or oligarchs, acquired and maintained power and clientage through patronage networks, electoral manipulation, subterfuge and the compromise of judicial process. Their governance is marked by what I call "short-termism", where immediate political gains trump long-term planning. The result is the collapse of the Nigerian society. The populace remain marginalised, their potential stifled by lack of opportunities and systemic neglect.
Clearly, the prevailing methods of governance by the ruling class have not worked. If Nigerians truly aspire to come out of this situation, they cannot afford to be tethered to the failures of these oligarchs. The envisaged political renewal requires fresh perspectives and approaches, which the oligarchs failed to provide. Hence, any alliance of these politicians with a view to either remaining in or returning to power would not be in the interest of the country.
The renewal is not merely a change in individuals but a fundamental shift to usher in new leaderships equipped with fresh ideas, acumen and genuine commitment to public service - a cadre of new leaders that is well informed, globally connected and fair-minded to deal with all the component parts of the country!
The urgency for this renewal is underscored by the current deepening national crises. The correlation between poverty, insurgency and governance failures is well-documented. As long as the current oligarchs remain in or return to power, the cyclical nature of these issues will persist.
Ted Gurr's assertion that "when expectations go up and results go down, men rebel" is particularly relevant to the current Nigeria's context. It is the unfulfilled promises of the oligarchs that have overtime bred frustration and disillusionment in society, and ultimately fueled insurgencies, banditry, ethnic tensions and calls for separatism.
A new Nigeria demands leadership that is not only competent but also principled - that will emphasise meritocracy, where leaders are determined by capability, character and vision rather than patronage or affiliation; that will prioritise economic decentralisation to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor by implementing policies that ensure equitable distribution of resources and opportunities; that will strengthen democratic institutions to guarantee credible elections, uphold the rule of law and ensure judicial freedom; that will ensure social integration by promoting inclusive policies that address the root causes of ethnic and religious divisions; and that will entrench educational and technological advancement by harnessing education and technology to drive innovation, improve governance and create wealth and opportunities for everyone.
This transformative leadership can only emerge if elite of good standing, knowledgeable, patriotic and progressive actively participate in the political process. The current disengagement of such elite from politics must be reversed through deliberate efforts of creating an environment that is conducive to their involvement.
The pathway to this renewal begins with a collective acknowledgment of the failures of the past and a resolute commitment to forge a different future. It requires building enduring political networks that promote dialogue, consultation and collaboration among such elite, creating strategic influence in Nigeria's politics. This will both facilitate the formation of a new political party that will serve as the platform for genuine democratic engagement rather than a vehicle for personal ambition and systematically accelerate the dismantling of the structures that enabled the dominance of the old guard. The formation of the League of Northern Democrats is an attempt to create one such pathway, at least for Northern elite.
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Civil society and the media have critical roles to play in promoting this renewal as envisaged by the LND. By exposing reasons for past failures, advocating for policy changes and educating the populace, they can create the conditions necessary for the emergence of such new leadership. It will also attract international partners to align their support with such initiative that promote good governance and human development.
Nigeria's destiny lies not in the perpetuation of failed leadership but in the audacity to embrace real change; and not rhetorical change. The political elite who have steered the nation since 1999 have proven themselves incapable of delivering the transformative leadership Nigeria desperately needs. It is time for a generational shift, a movement toward a new cadre of leaders who are not only visionary but also equipped to navigate the complexities of modern Nigeria.
This political renewal is not merely an option; it is an imperative! The future of Nigeria depends on the courage of its people to initiate and effect this change. Patriotic elite must rise to the occasion, for they are not just the saviors of the day but the architects of the country's future.
Ardo, PhD, resides in Abuja
