By, Olawale Ogunbusola

In recent times, Nigeria’s political landscape has continued to provoke deep concern among critical stakeholders and observers. There is a growing sense of dissatisfaction driven by what appears to be a persistent decline in empathy, commitment, and structured political mentoring within the leadership hierarchy of many political parties—particularly among the dominant and ruling class.

This trend is not only troubling but poses a significant threat to the sustainability of inclusive governance and democratic development.

Across party lines, there is an observable pattern of leadership disconnect, characterized by poor reward systems, selective engagement, and an apparent lack of genuine interest in nurturing competent and deserving individuals for leadership roles. For many committed members, especially those who have invested time, resources, and personal credibility into party development, the experience has become increasingly discouraging.

It is not uncommon to encounter sentiments of frustration among party faithful who feel marginalized by an emerging leadership culture that prioritizes loyalty over competence and patronage over merit. In some extreme instances, influential political figures have even expressed the belief that governance can function effectively without a structured team—undermining the very essence of collaborative leadership and institutional governance.

As a stakeholder with considerable experience within Nigeria’s political system, I have observed—albeit with concern—a growing wave of disaffection among party members, particularly young professionals who once viewed politics as a platform for meaningful contribution and service.

Today, that perception is rapidly changing.

The absence of empathy and commitment in leadership has fostered an environment where many young, intelligent, and capable individuals feel undervalued. Instead of being encouraged and empowered, they are often subjected to a culture of servitude, exclusion, and selective recognition. This has led to a gradual withdrawal of some of the brightest minds from active political participation.

The implications are far-reaching.

A political system that fails to attract and retain its best minds inevitably creates a vacuum—one that is quickly filled by mediocrity. This reality is becoming increasingly evident in governance outcomes, where declining performance can often be traced to a deficit in intellectual capacity, strategic thinking, and innovative leadership.

Historically, Nigeria’s early political eras—particularly during the First and Second Republics—benefited from a leadership culture that valued competence, rewarded contribution, and actively mentored emerging leaders. These systems attracted some of the finest minds, who in turn shaped policies and governance frameworks that drove national development.

Today, however, there appears to be a departure from those ideals.

Rather than fostering excellence, the current system in many instances promotes a structure where less competent but loyal individuals are elevated above more qualified counterparts. This not only discourages excellence but also fuels political apathy, defections, and fragmentation within party systems.

Many frustrated professionals are now faced with difficult choices: compromise their values to fit into a flawed system, withdraw entirely from politics, or seek alternative platforms where their contributions may be better appreciated.

None of these outcomes serve the long-term interest of Nigeria’s democracy.

If this trend is left unchecked, the consequences will be profound. The nation risks further entrenching a cycle of underperformance in governance, weakened institutions, and a widening gap between leadership and the people.

There is, therefore, an urgent need for introspection and reform.

Political leaders at all levels must recognize their role not just as office holders, but as mentors and nation builders. Leadership must be redefined to reflect empathy, inclusiveness, fairness, and a genuine commitment to developing others. Structured mentoring systems, transparent reward mechanisms, and merit-based opportunities must become the cornerstone of political engagement.

Encouragingly, a new wave of emerging leaders is beginning to challenge the status quo. There is a growing movement committed to restoring the values of quality leadership, accountability, and people-centered governance. This movement seeks to create an enabling environment that attracts brilliant, innovative, and forward-thinking individuals into politics.

The goal is clear: to build a political system that is not only competitive but also competent—one that delivers sustainable growth and development for all.

The future of Nigeria’s democracy depends on the choices we make today. Rebuilding trust, restoring merit, and institutionalizing empathy in leadership are no longer optional—they the are imperative.