By Abubakar Yunusa
Former Chief Economic Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof. Ode Ojowu, has called for a fundamental overhaul of Nigeria’s political leadership recruitment process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ojowu said only leaders with integrity, competence and inclusiveness can guarantee sustainable development for the country.
The former CEO of the National Planning Commission spoke on Thursday in Abuja at the 2nd Annual Public Lecture of the Association of Igede Media Professionals, AIMP. The lecture had as theme: “Rethinking Political Leadership Recruitment System in Igedeland Ahead of 2027.”
The event drew prominent Igede sons and daughters, including traditional rulers, policymakers, media practitioners, political leaders and captains of industry. The guest lecturer was NLC spokesperson, Barr. Benson Upah.
Speaking as chairman of the occasion, Ojowu said the theme was a call for deep introspection on the quality of leaders emerging from the community. He commended AIMP for providing a platform for dialogue, noting that such engagements are critical to shaping the future of the Igede people.
He also praised the choice of Upah as guest lecturer, describing him as well-grounded in labour advocacy, public communication and national governance issues.
According to Ojowu, leadership recruitment must transcend the mere emergence of individuals and focus on the values, processes and structures that define governance.
“Leadership recruitment is not merely about who emerges. It is about the processes, values and structures that determine the quality of governance and the inclusiveness of our society,” he said.
“As we look towards 2027, leadership recruitment systems must be rethought to ensure that competence, integrity and inclusiveness are prioritised over narrow interests.”
He urged minority groups to approach political representation with wisdom, strategy and resilience, stressing that the pursuit must strengthen unity, fairness and justice.
Speaking with journalists after the event, Ojowu lamented that merit has been eroded in Nigeria’s political appointments.
“To be honest, Nigeria is not ruled by capability. Nigeria is not ruled by what you can do. Nigeria is largely influenced by where you come from and the zoning arrangements within the political system,” he said.
He recalled that his own appointment was based on professional competence, not patronage.
The economist, however, admitted that the Igede people have also contributed to their political setbacks through disunity.
“Everybody wants to lead. Nobody can lead until people come together to present a common candidate. Instead of presenting one strong voice, individuals now pursue positions separately, making it difficult to achieve meaningful political gains,” he said.
He charged the Igede political elite to close ranks and work in the collective interest of the people.
Also speaking, the member representing Oju/Obi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. David Ogewu, urged the people of Igedeland to embrace peace, unity and mutual trust as the bedrock of development.
“Unity brings progress. Understanding one another will give us everything we need as a people. We must support one another and play politics in a way that advances the collective interest of the entire Igede nation,” he said.
Ogewu acknowledged the political challenges facing minority groups in Benue State but expressed optimism that sustained engagement and dialogue would yield more opportunities. He described his relationship with the Benue State Governor as cordial and based on shared values of peace.
“We have to embrace a sense of unity and trust. We cannot only focus on issues outside; we must first put our house in order. Both the younger and older generations must unite and think progressively. That is how we can move Igedeland forward,” he added.
Earlier, AIMP President, Comrade Sunday Ode, said a fundamental reform of the leadership recruitment process in Igedeland was necessary. He warned that unless competence, integrity and accountability become the basis for selection, the quality of leadership from the area will continue to decline.
Ode lamented that politics in many communities has become “an entitlement or a commercial venture,” leading to poor representation, abandoned projects and weak governance.
He said AIMP, as the umbrella body of Igede professionals in print, broadcast and digital media, remains committed to promoting accountability and preserving Igede cultural heritage through responsible journalism.
He appealed to political leaders to see the media as partners in development and not adversaries, and thanked the guest of honour, guest speaker, sponsors and participants for their support.
Participants described the lecture as timely and expressed hope that its recommendations would help reshape leadership recruitment in Igedeland ahead of 2027 and foster greater unity and development.
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