By Usman Ishaq Shehu, PhD Candidate, Technical Assistant Presidential Office of Digital Engagement and Strategy (PODES)
The recent news that a top founding member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been allegedly involved in the misappropriation of an astounding N189 billion and has consequently been detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is deeply troubling. This revelation not only undermines the credibility of the individual involved but also casts a long shadow over the party’s claims of being a better alternative to the current administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Leadership in Nigeria requires more than empty rhetoric and political grandstanding. It demands unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical governance. When a key figure of a party that purports to offer improved leadership is found entangled in such serious allegations of corruption, it signals a lack of these essential qualities. This raises significant doubts about the party’s ability to deliver on its promises and govern the nation responsibly.
Corruption has been one of Nigeria’s most persistent obstacles to development. It drains public resources, undermines public trust, and weakens the institutions meant to protect citizens’ rights and welfare. If those who aspire to lead the country are themselves alleged to be part of this problem, it suggests that they are not fundamentally different from those they criticize. Instead of bringing about reform, they risk perpetuating the cycle of mismanagement and abuse of power that has stalled Nigeria’s progress for decades.
Moreover, the sheer scale of the alleged misappropriation, N189 billion, is staggering and highlights the level of systemic issues that would likely continue unchecked under their watch. If given the opportunity to govern, parties led by individuals with questionable integrity may prioritize personal enrichment over national development, further eroding the economy and increasing the hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians.
Nigeria is at a critical juncture, needing leaders who can inspire hope and demonstrate competence through their actions. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown, through deliberate policies and reforms, that leadership is about making difficult but necessary decisions for the greater good. His administration’s focus on economic stabilization, infrastructure development, and anti-corruption efforts underscores the difference between leaders who act in the nation’s interest and those who seek personal gain. The public deserves political parties and leaders with clean records, who value good governance and national unity above selfish interests. The ADC’s current situation, therefore, is a stark reminder that merely claiming to be better is not enough; true leadership must be proven through deeds, not just words.
The allegations against this top ADC member serve as a warning to Nigerians. Entrusting the country’s future to those implicated in corruption scandals could lead to more instability, economic decline, and weakened democratic institutions. It is imperative for Nigerians to critically evaluate their leaders and support those who have demonstrated real commitment to transparency, accountability, and service to the nation. In this regard, the example set by President Tinubu’s administration stands as a benchmark for the type of leadership Nigeria needs to overcome its challenges and move toward lasting prosperity.