A prominent northern elder and chieftain of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Dr. Usman Bugaje, has strongly criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership under former President Muhammadu Buhari and incumbent President Bola Tinubu.
Bugaje while speaking on Arise TV’s Morning Show, described the APC-led government as a failure and called for a radical shift in Nigeria’s leadership selection process.
Bugaje argued that the country’s long-standing practice of rotational presidency between the North and South has failed to deliver meaningful development. He insisted that Nigeria must move beyond the ethnic and regional power-sharing formula and prioritize competence, character, and capacity in selecting its leaders.
“We have tried this turn-by-turn presidency for over 25 years, and what has it given us? The country is sinking deeper into socio-economic crises. All development indices are in decline. Instead of North-South debates, we should focus on assembling a competent team to salvage Nigeria,” Bugaje stated.
The former lawmaker, who has been a vocal critic of past administrations, did not spare Buhari’s presidency, labeling it a disaster despite the heavy northern presence in key security positions. He argued that Buhari’s tenure proved that placing someone in power based on regional considerations does not guarantee progress.
According to Bugaje, the obsession with regional representation has resulted in unqualified individuals taking charge of critical sectors, thereby crippling national development.
“Why do we keep recycling politicians who have no track record of competence? Why not assemble the best minds from across the country to move Nigeria forward?” he queried.
He further lamented that corruption and incompetence have sidelined technocrats who could have transformed Nigeria’s energy, transportation, and infrastructure sectors. Bugaje accused the political class of prioritizing personal ambition over national interest, leading to a governance system that fails to address the country’s pressing issues.
Expressing concern over Nigeria’s growing socio-economic challenges, Bugaje highlighted alarming statistics, including rising hunger, out-of-school children, and insecurity. He warned that by 2030, the population could reach 300 million, with millions more facing extreme poverty if the current leadership model is not overhauled.
Also addressing speculation on the 2027 presidential race, Bugaje dismissed suggestions that he supports former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, stating that his preference is for a collective leadership system rather than another career politician. “I am not for Atiku or any of the usual candidates. We need a new governance model that brings competent people together to lead collectively,” he said.
He also criticized Nigeria’s National Assembly, describing it as compromised and unable to hold the executive accountable. According to him, the country must learn from other nations where citizens mobilize to demand better governance rather than resigning to the status quo.
In conclusion, Bugaje urged Nigerians to change the national conversation, moving away from ethnic-based politics to one that prioritizes merit and good governance. “We cannot afford to let selfish politicians keep running this country aground. It’s time for a leadership revolution,” he declared.
