Dr. Usman Bugaje, a prominent member of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has criticized Nigeria’s practice of rotational presidency, claiming it has exacerbated the country’s socio-economic problems. In a recent interview with Vanguard, Bugaje argued that the political focus on regional balance has deepened divisions and undermined the country’s progress. He believes that leadership should not be based on regional considerations but on the competence, knowledge, and character of individuals.
Bugaje proposed a collegiate system for selecting leadership, emphasizing that leaders should be chosen based on their abilities rather than their geographic or ethnic background. According to him, Nigeria’s current political system, which prioritizes the North and South in leadership decisions, has contributed to the country’s stagnation. He expressed concern that such divisive politics have hindered the nation’s ability to address pressing issues, such as insecurity and economic decline.
The political chieftain also criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing its governance as a “disaster.” He argued that under the current administration, Nigeria’s challenges, including escalating insecurity and worsening economic conditions, have only intensified. Bugaje stressed that the country needs leaders who are capable of solving its problems, not those who perpetuate divisions based on geographical or ethnic lines.
While acknowledging the vast landmass of the North, Bugaje made it clear that geography should not dictate political arrangements. He pointed out that the size of the North, while significant, should not be a factor in determining leadership positions. Instead, he called for a shift in the national political discourse towards a more inclusive and development-focused approach that prioritizes merit over regional considerations.
Bugaje’s proposal suggests a drastic change in how Nigeria selects its leaders, urging a move away from the divisive politics of North-South rivalry. He emphasized that leadership decisions should be made based on qualities such as competence, courage, and, most importantly, character. For Bugaje, these qualities should be the determining factors when selecting the nation’s leaders, rather than regional affiliations or geographic boundaries.
The idea of a collegiate system, as proposed by Bugaje, seeks to foster unity and promote effective governance in Nigeria. He believes that focusing on national development and the qualities of leaders, rather than their regional origin, would better serve the country’s long-term growth and stability.
According to him, “The whole of the states of the North-East, you can put them in Niger and they will still have another space for the whole of the size of the North-East, and even there will be land remaining. Yes, that is it. This is geography.”