In Nigeria, the quest for effective governance is often hampered by the quality of individuals who assume public office. The constitution of Nigeria stipulates basic qualifications for key public offices, including age requirements, citizenship by birth, educational qualifications, and party affiliation. For example, presidential candidates must be at least 35 years old and have a minimum of a school-leaving certificate. Despite these stipulations, the governance landscape is still marred by the presence of individuals who lack the necessary competence, ethical standards, and commitment to public service.
The presence of unqualified or unsuitable individuals in public office significantly impedes the nation’s development. This is not just about having the minimum educational qualifications or fitting a certain age bracket; it’s about the broader issues of capability, competence, and integrity. Ethical lapses, limited governance capabilities, and entrenched corruption often characterize the political arena, leading to poor governance and stalled development.
To address these challenges, Nigeria needs to implement more stringent measures in the selection and vetting of candidates for public office. Enhancing the vetting processes could include thorough background checks, psychological evaluations, and rigorous competency interviews. Such measures would help ensure that only candidates who are ethically sound and sufficiently competent are eligible for public office.
This shortfall is exacerbated by political parties that, at times, promote candidates who lack the necessary integrity, capability, or vision for effective leadership. These “undesirables” often emerge due to internal party dynamics, where loyalty, patronage, and financial contributions outweigh merit and public service commitment. To counteract this trend and broaden the pool of potential candidates, introducing independent candidacy in future elections could be transformative. Allowing individuals to run for office without requiring affiliation with established political parties would likely encourage a more diverse array of candidates, including those who may be disillusioned with the current political system but possess the skills and vision needed for effective governance. This could significantly democratize the political process, making it accessible to non-partisan candidates who can bring fresh ideas and new integrity to governance.
Furthermore, the role of the Nigerian diaspora cannot be overlooked. Nigerians living abroad make substantial contributions to the national economy through remittances, which significantly bolster the country’s GDP. Despite their contributions, these citizens currently lack the ability to vote in elections, a situation that disconnects a critical segment of the population from the political process. Granting voting rights to the diaspora could empower these citizens to participate actively in choosing leaders whose policies and governance will affect their families and the economic conditions of their homeland. Their involvement would not only be a fair recognition of their contributions but could also usher in a wave of global perspective and accountability in Nigerian politics.
The potential of these reforms to reshape Nigerian politics is immense, and there is a compelling argument to make 2027 the starting point for these changes. Setting this target provides a clear timeline for implementing necessary legal and logistical adjustments, such as amending the constitution to allow independent candidacy and setting up a reliable and secure system for diaspora voting. This would ensure that by the 2027 elections, Nigeria could benefit from a more inclusive, competitive, and transparent electoral process.
By opening up the political landscape to independent candidates and diaspora voters, Nigeria would take crucial steps toward a more democratic and effective governance structure. These changes are not just beneficial; they are essential for the sustenance of democracy and for ensuring that governance truly serves the broad interests of all Nigerians. Such reforms would mark a significant advancement in the nation’s political maturity and could set a precedent for other nations in similar situations.
Moreover, to effectively weed out undesirables already entrenched in power, enhanced accountability mechanisms, judicial reforms, electoral reforms, and strengthened civic engagement are necessary. Implementing strict performance reviews, protecting whistleblowers, and ensuring media and civil society play robust roles in monitoring government activities are also critical measures. These strategies, when implemented in concert, can significantly diminish the influence of unsuitable officials and ensure those in power serve the public genuinely and effectively. This pathway not only promises a brighter future for Nigeria but also serves as a model for other nations striving for democratic integrity and development.
But then, odikwa possible? We decide.
Duruebube Chima Nnadi-Oforgu
OBLONG MEDIA UNLIMITED 
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