Nigeria Has Failed the Black Race And Only Merit-Based Leadership Will Restore Hope

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed disappointment in Nigeria’s leadership, stating that the country has failed both the black race and Africa due to poor governance, disunity, and regionalism. Speaking during a visit from the League of Northern Democrats, led by former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, Obasanjo emphasized how Nigeria’s potential has been squandered. He attributed the country’s prolonged lack of cohesion to the regionalism that preceded independence, yet remains optimistic that the country can still correct past mistakes.

Obasanjo called for a focus on merit and national interest rather than regional affiliations when selecting leaders. He urged the League of Northern Democrats to consider renaming themselves the National League of Democrats to reflect a united cause for Nigeria. The former president underscored the importance of working for Nigeria’s greatness, emphasizing that tribal identity should not conflict with national progress. He also expressed willingness to serve as a patron for the group, acknowledging its ideals as vital to the nation’s development.

In response, Shekarau highlighted the group’s mission to promote good governance, national unity, and credible leadership. He lamented that, despite Nigeria’s 93 million registered voters, only a small elite of about 11,000 leaders is elected to govern. The League of Northern Democrats, founded three months ago, is dedicated to addressing these issues through advocacy and encouraging the selection of capable leaders across the country. Shekarau also assured that the group would adopt the national outlook suggested by Obasanjo.