A chieftain of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Dr. Usman Bugaje, has called for an end to Nigeria’s rotational presidency system, arguing that the practice has contributed significantly to the country’s socio-economic challenges. Bugaje made this assertion during an interview on Arise TV’s The Morning Show, where he also described the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government as a “disaster.”
A Call for a New Conversation
Bugaje emphasized the need for a shift from the long-standing focus on regional and ethnic considerations in presidential selection to a merit-based system prioritizing competence, character, and courage.
“We have tried these kinds of models of the North and the South, yet the country is only going down the drain. It’s time to start a new conversation — one that prioritizes development over ethnic and regional considerations,” he said.
According to him, Nigeria’s democracy has been overshadowed by divisive rhetoric that undermines national development. He proposed a collegiate leadership model that would bring together the nation’s best minds to address pressing challenges.
Rotational Presidency: An Outdated Practice
Bugaje dismissed the notion of power rotation, stating that it has not yielded the desired development.
“All the indices of development are taking a nosedive. We have tried the turn-by-turn presidency, but what have we achieved? Competence, not geography, should guide our leadership choices,” he insisted.
He pointed to former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure as a clear example of how regional favoritism does not guarantee regional development.
Criticism of the APC-Led Government
Bugaje was particularly critical of the APC’s performance over the past decade.
“The APC government, from Buhari to the present administration, has been a disaster. Governance has been marked by incompetence, corruption, and a lack of vision,” he asserted.
He lamented the state of the country’s infrastructure, insecurity, and rising poverty levels, highlighting the need for a leadership reset.
Concerns About Future Elections
When asked about the 2027 presidential election, Bugaje dismissed speculation about regional political agendas.
“I don’t support candidates based on ethnicity. I supported Atiku Abubakar in 2023 because, among the available candidates, he seemed most capable. If I had known more about Peter Obi or Adewole Adebayo of the SDP, I might have supported them,” he revealed.
He warned against reducing Nigeria’s leadership debate to North-South dynamics, describing it as a distraction from the country’s pressing developmental needs.
Call for Collegiate Leadership
Bugaje reiterated his support for a collegiate leadership system where a team of competent technocrats would collaboratively govern the country.
“We need people who understand global trends and can implement policies that reflect the complexities of the 21st century,” he said.
The ACF chieftain’s remarks have reignited discussions on Nigeria’s power-sharing formula, with proponents of rotational presidency arguing that it ensures inclusivity in the country’s multi-ethnic landscape. However, Bugaje remains steadfast in his belief that competence and character — not ethnicity — should be the guiding principles for leadership selection.
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