Former National Secretary of the defunct Action Congress (AC) and prominent Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) chieftain, Dr. Usman Bugaje, has called for a shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, emphasizing the need for a leader with competence, character, and courage — irrespective of regional or ethnic background.
Bugaje, who made this known in a recent interview, stated that the nation must move past divisive North-South politics to achieve meaningful development. He pointed to Prince Adewole Adebayo, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), as an ideal candidate who embodies the qualities Nigeria needs.
While reflecting on the 2023 elections, Bugaje revealed that if he had not supported former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, his choice would have been Prince Adebayo.
“Adebayo comes across to me as somebody who understands the terrain and this country. He knows what he wants to do and has a clear vision for national development,” Bugaje said.
He added that come 2027, his political stance would shift towards a candidate with demonstrable competence and a solid grasp of the nation’s challenges.
Bugaje criticized the recent call by the APC National Chairman for northern support for President Bola Tinubu in 2027, describing it as an outdated approach.
“We’re having democracy with all the noise about North and South, yet the country is not developing. If anything, it’s de-developing. All the indices of development are taking a nosedive,” he lamented.
According to him, Nigeria must prioritize national growth over regional affiliations, ensuring inclusive governance that brings together competent individuals from across the country.
When asked about Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, Bugaje admitted to having reservations.
“I didn’t know Obi well enough to support him. The people I saw around him seemed more driven by regional grievances than a unifying national vision,” he said.
Reflecting on Atiku Abubakar, whom he supported in 2023, Bugaje made it clear he would not follow the same path in the next election.
“The new conversation is centered on competence, character, and courage to move the nation forward. I won’t go that route again,” he said.
Bugaje didn’t mince words about the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing it as disastrous.
“I thought Buhari’s experience was sufficient evidence that choosing a president based on regional sentiments doesn’t work. The idea that a leader should favor their region is naive. We need inclusion, but not at the expense of development,” he stressed.
The former AC scribe urged Nigerians to abandon the practice of choosing leaders based on ethnic or regional considerations, advocating instead for a merit-based approach.
“There’s no region with a monopoly on competence. We have capable individuals in the South-West, South-East, South-South, North-East, North-West, and North-Central. Let’s pick the best hands to run the country instead of settling for barely educated individuals who prioritize personal enrichment over national development,” Bugaje concluded.
As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 elections, Bugaje’s remarks add to the growing call for a leadership paradigm shift focused on integrity, capacity, and a unified national vision.
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