Renowned legal practitioner and activist Olisa Agbakoba has criticized Nigerian politicians for ignoring policy discussions ahead of the 2027 elections. He noted that the current political climate is dominated by tribal sentiments and personality clashes rather than concrete plans for development. Agbakoba expressed concern that the nation cannot progress if its leaders do not prioritize the technicalities of governance.
Moving beyond tribal and religious politics
Agbakoba argued that the obsession with “whose turn it is” to rule has consistently held the country back from achieving its full potential. He called on the electorate to demand specific policy documents from anyone seeking their votes in the coming years. Without a clear roadmap for the economy, infrastructure, and security, the cycle of underdevelopment will likely continue.
The legal expert emphasized that governance is a serious business that requires deep intellectual engagement and planning. He lamented that many aspirants are more interested in winning power than in the actual work required to fix the nation’s problems. This lack of substance in political discourse is a major threat to the survival of the Nigerian democracy.
The need for a radical shift in governance
Agbakoba suggested that the country needs a new breed of leaders who understand the importance of institutional reforms. He pointed to the judicial and electoral systems as areas that require urgent policy attention to ensure stability. Merely changing the faces in the State House will not bring the desired change if the underlying systems remain broken.
He challenged civil society groups to take a more active role in vetting the proposals of those running for office. By creating platforms for rigorous debate, the public can help separate the serious contenders from the populist pretenders. The time has come for Nigeria to move from politics of patronage to politics of performance and policy.
Empowering the citizens through information
The former president of the Nigerian Bar Association believes that an informed electorate is the greatest tool for national transformation. He urged the media to focus more on the feasibility of political promises rather than the drama of political rallies. If the people know what to look for, they will be less likely to be swayed by empty rhetoric and financial inducements.
As the 2027 race begins to take shape, Agbakoba’s warning serves as a timely reminder of the tasks ahead. The nation stands at a crossroads, and the quality of the next leadership will depend on the quality of the current conversations. It remains to be seen if the political class will heed this call for a more policy-driven approach to governance.
