Convener of the Leadership Renaissance Forum, Dr. Robert Abdullahi Johnson, has raised concerns over the growing monetisation of Nigeria’s political process, warning that many competent and visionary Nigerians are being shut out of leadership positions because they lack the financial resources to compete.

Johnson said the increasing cost of seeking political office has created a system that favours money over merit, making it difficult for capable individuals with the potential to transform the country to emerge as leaders.

He spoke in Abuja at the Leadership Renaissance Forum themed “Reimagining Leadership for National Development,” a gathering aimed at inspiring transformative thinking and promoting purpose-driven leadership across Nigeria and Africa.

According to him, Nigeria’s persistent developmental challenges are not the result of a lack of resources but are rooted in poor leadership and a political system that often sidelines qualified individuals.

“There is nothing wrong with Nigeria. There is nothing wrong with our land, our weather or our resources. Nigeria is a blessed country. Yet we continue to lag behind because of poor leadership,” he said.

Johnson argued that leadership remains the most important factor in national development, noting that nations rise or fall largely on the quality of those entrusted with positions of authority.

He lamented that many people occupying leadership positions across various sectors are inadequately prepared for the responsibilities they hold, resulting in failures that continue to affect governance and national progress.

“Our vision is to educate leadership and build leadership. As leadership experts have often said, everything rises and falls on leadership,” he stated.

The leadership expert maintained that good leaders do not emerge accidentally and must be deliberately identified, nurtured and supported by society.

He stressed that the current political environment has made the process of attaining public office increasingly dependent on financial strength rather than competence, character and vision.

“So much money has been loaded into the process of seeking political office. The man or woman who may have what it takes to lead Nigeria to greatness may not have the resources to gain visibility or emerge through the political process,” he said.

Johnson said the forum was established to help address the country’s leadership deficit by creating a platform for identifying, mentoring and supporting individuals with the capacity to provide effective leadership in both public and private sectors.

He added that leadership should not be viewed merely as an ambition but as a responsibility that requires preparation, vision and continuous learning.

“We want people to aspire to leadership positions only after they have acquired the vision and capacity required for leadership. We must seek out capable and eligible individuals from among us and help them emerge,” he added.

Johnson emphasised the importance of reading and self-development in leadership, describing continuous learning as a critical attribute of successful leaders.

Drawing inspiration from former U.S. President, Barack Obama, he noted that effective leaders often learn from the experiences and writings of great statesmen who came before them.

Presiding Bishop of Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly, David Abioye, urged Nigerians to look beyond political rhetoric and elect leaders with proven records of service ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that leadership is about sacrifice and service rather than power and privilege.

Addressing journalists on the qualities Nigerians should consider when choosing leaders in 2027, the cleric said many people mistakenly equate political office with leadership, noting that occupying a position does not automatically make one a leader.

According to him, the misconception has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s governance challenges, as many office seekers are motivated by personal ambition rather than a desire to serve the people.

“Let me first establish the fact that being a politician does not mean being a leader.

“People don’t understand what it means to be a leader. They just assume it’s about position. Position is not the same as leadership. Position is only a platform for exhibiting leadership.

“It has been so bastardised today that many people are not even thinking about leadership. All they think about is how to get into office to satisfy their desires, interests, and those of their cronies,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, former Kogi State Governor, Idris Wada, called for integrity, competence and accountability in leadership, stressing that sustainable national development can only be achieved when leaders place the interests of the people above personal and political considerations.