Bode George Warns Against Personality-Driven Governance, Calls for Discipline and Accountability in Nigeria’s Leadership

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has issued a strong warning against the dangers of personality-driven governance in Nigeria, calling instead for a return to leadership anchored on discipline, accountability, and equity.

Speaking on Wednesday at the unveiling and inaugural lecture of the African Institute for Statecraft International (AISI) in Abuja—through his representative, Ekiti PDP Chairman Hon. Dare Adeleke—George decried the growing culture of sycophancy and the lack of serious policy dialogue in Nigerian politics.

“When leaders borrow trillions without accountability and citizens choose to celebrate personalities rather than interrogate governance failures, the nation drifts into systematic destruction,” he warned.

Addressing the event themed “Reinventing Political Leadership and Democratic Governance,” George stressed that Nigeria’s democratic future can only be secured through citizen-driven insistence on transparency and discipline.

“America did not become a world leader overnight; it was discipline. Until we restore discipline in governance and society, we cannot move forward,” he said.

The event brought together political leaders, academics, policy analysts, and civil society advocates from across the country to chart a path toward democratic renewal and stronger institutional leadership.

Acting PDP National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum—represented by Deputy National Publicity Secretary Hon. Ibrahim Abdullahi—also took aim at the state of leadership in the country, likening Nigerians’ disappointment to that of “a lover betrayed.”

“Governance has deteriorated since 2015. Citizens are paying for poor leadership recruitment, lack of preparation, and a collapsed public service system,” Damagum said.

He criticized the lack of investment in civil service capacity, stating, “Our civil service alone numbers close to five million personnel across federal and state levels, yet most have not received any form of retraining since employment. How then can they drive responsive governance in a 21st-century economy?”

According to Damagum, political leadership should not be seen as the exclusive domain of presidents and governors, but as a product of strong institutions and disciplined governance structures. He reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to reclaiming power in 2027, pledging to restore hope through credible leadership and policy reforms.

“Our problem isn’t just about individuals in office; it’s the entire structure,” he added, while commending AISI for its mission to develop new-generation leaders through training, research, and innovation.

Also speaking at the event, PDP chieftain and political analyst Chief Segun Sowunmi sounded the alarm on a looming democratic crisis, citing low voter turnout, rising ethnic divisions, and a lack of leadership succession planning.

“In 2023, 93 million Nigerians registered to vote, but less than 25 million participated. That is a crisis of confidence,” Sowunmi said. “Why would any decent citizen risk being macheted just to cast a ballot?”

He lamented that mediocrity has become embedded in leadership due to the absence of credible alternatives and warned that unless inclusivity, justice, and mentorship are embraced, Nigeria could face deeper disillusionment, mass emigration, and internal conflict.

“Our problem is bigger than we admit. Unless we reinvent political leadership and democratic governance, Nigeria’s future will be dominated by disillusionment, mass emigration, and internal conflict,” Sowunmi said.

Participants praised the host and CEO of AISI, Adai Edwin Adai, for establishing a platform dedicated to rethinking governance and cultivating responsible leadership.

Speakers at the event agreed that Nigeria’s political crisis cannot be solved by rhetoric alone, calling for concrete reforms focused on training, institutional accountability, and democratic consolidation.

The inaugural AISI lecture, they said, marks more than just an academic milestone—it represents a bold beginning in the national effort to reclaim Nigeria’s future from years of leadership failure.