Former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, has urged Nigerians and political parties to deliberately nurture and support quality leadership as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a political forum in Abuja, the elder statesman expressed concern over what he described as a dangerous decline in visionary leadership, stressing that Nigeria deserves leaders of integrity, competence, and courage to rescue the nation from its current challenges.
“We must not continue to recycle mediocrity in positions of authority. Nigeria is abundantly blessed with capable men and women who can lead this nation to greatness. What we lack are transparent processes to allow such credible leaders to emerge,” Gana declared.
The former minister faulted the culture of imposition within political parties, warning that it erodes internal democracy and denies the country the opportunity to benefit from its best brains. He maintained that political parties must strengthen their internal structures to ensure that candidates are selected based on merit, character, and capacity rather than money or ethnic calculations.
On the controversy surrounding zoning of the 2027 presidency, Gana threw his weight behind calls for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to field a candidate from the South, describing it as both a matter of fairness and electoral strategy. He also revealed that efforts are ongoing to reconcile aggrieved members and possibly woo back key figures such as former presidential candidate Peter Obi to strengthen the opposition ahead of the polls.
Professor Gana further emphasized the need for inclusivity, urging parties to create space for youth and women in leadership, saying that their energy and innovation are critical to national development.
Criticizing the present state of governance, he lamented that Nigeria’s leaders “are no longer thinking” despite the country’s abundant human and natural resources. “We need leaders with vision, creativity, and the political will to chart a new course for our people,” he said.
His remarks have sparked reactions within the political space, with some stakeholders agreeing that zoning and reforms would reposition the PDP, while others argue that the presidency should be open to all Nigerians irrespective of region.
As the countdown to 2027 gathers momentum, Gana’s call adds to the growing debate on the quality of leadership Nigeria needs to overcome its economic, political, and security challenges.