Following US missile strikes on militants in Nigeria, the eyes of the world are on the evolving security situation in the country. But without major political change, progress is unlikely.

Nigeria should be Africa’s brightest light, a spark to ignite the rest of the continent’s advancement. Yet, at present, we find ourselves in the midst of a crisis brought on by ineptitude at the highest levels of office.

We are a rudderless vessel on a collision course, when we should be a modern powerboat charting our own future, free from insecurity, corruption and foreign assistance.

On Christmas Day, as millions of Nigerian families, including my own, came together to celebrate, our country found itself once more in the international spotlight as the United States launched targeted missile strikes against terrorist and militant groups that have been allowed to roam free in the north-west of the country

These are groups that have killed mostly indiscriminately but have no doubt targeted worshippers and communities simply going about their everyday business. I have seen this with my own eyes.

Washington’s actions should, of course, be welcomed but, ultimately, they should not be necessary. The fact that it has taken so long for our own government to request and accept foreign intervention is shocking.

The strikes highlight the urgency of our security situation, which in recent years has allowed terror to prevail. Boko Haram is not alone, but the group itself has killed an estimated 40,000 people, hampered progress and prevented ordinary Nigerians from feeling safe in their own homes.

I have felt compelled to support those targeted and to speak out against the insecurity plague in our country.

In Washington, I have accepted invitations to speak to senior members of Congress about the security threat we face and will continue to call for needed change, leveraging my own platform. As a civilian, however, I – and many like me – can only do so much.

While undoubtedly impactful, missile strikes alone will not set Nigeria back on the path to progress and stability.

At the heart of the issue is not guns, but governance.

The rise in militancy and extremism is the result of decades of poor leadership, which has enabled and facilitated corruption at all levels. Misplaced priorities and self-interest continue to hold us back in all areas.

The security situation is not the cause of the problem; it is merely a symptom of a much larger one at the heart of our politics.

The root causes are directly linked to widespread poverty, youth unemployment and deteriorating public services, which the political class has failed to tackle for far too long.

If we fail to address these issues, then we, as a nation, will continue to fall back into a familiar cycle that millions of Nigerians know all too well.

It is a tough fact that over half of our population remains trapped in poverty. Terrorist groups have long been able to weaponise this reality to recruit for their cause, complete with false promises of a better future.

In a country with abundant natural resources and human talent, where the average age is just 18 years old, this cannot be allowed to continue. Nigeria has all the ingredients necessary not just to weed out this terrorist threat, but to cement our position as a regional superpower.

We lack an authoritative Commander-in-Chief capable of driving us forward. After decades of underperformance, Nigeria must look outside the group of political elites currently at its helm.

Both President Tinubu and established figures in the opposition are products of a political system that has let Nigerians down. The current system is one that only cares about on-ramping “new” self-interested captains to the same broken ship. It cares not for its current and future passengers, or even its neighbours.

With the 2027 election fast approaching, Nigerians need to hear from those hoping to chart a new course.

A multi-pronged strategy that focuses first and foremost on eliminating poverty is required to resolve the security situation and address the fundamental issues holding back our progress.

My vision for Nigeria focuses on investment in public services, including education, healthcare and core infrastructure, as well as investment in our youth that creates meaningful long-term jobs. By developing our economy, we can turn people away from terror and strengthen national prosperity, finally introducing the vaccine Nigeria has long needed.

We are now beyond party politics. The situation is critical.

This is not just about winning an election in 2027; it is something far more profound. It is about building a movement that restores dignity, opportunity and justice for every Nigerian. Our young people deserve opportunity, our families deserve safety, and our communities deserve leadership that puts people before politics.

Prince Adebayo is the leader of Nigeria’s Social Democratic Party and is running for president ahead of the 2027 national election.