Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Catholic Archbishop of the Sokoto Diocese, has described President Bola Tinubu, former President Muhammadu Buhari, and many of Nigeria’s past leaders as products of an “accidental leadership cycle.”
Speaking during the commissioning of the new Start-Rite School building and the 4th Amaka Ndoma-Egba Memorial Lecture in Abuja, Bishop Kukah reflected on Nigeria’s leadership history, highlighting a recurring trend of unprepared leaders assuming power.
He remarked, “If we examine Nigeria’s leadership journey, it’s evident that nearly every leader came into power by accident. President Bola Tinubu, despite claiming readiness for the role, is visibly struggling. He inherited a nation from Buhari, who had already disengaged from governance.” Kukah traced this pattern through Nigeria’s leadership transitions, citing examples such as Buhari succeeding Jonathan, who was unexpectedly thrust into power, and Jonathan’s succession of Yar’Adua, who had intended to return to teaching.
The Bishop noted that this lack of preparedness extends back to leaders like Obasanjo, who transitioned from prison to the presidency, and Shonekan, a business executive unexpectedly called to lead. He concluded, “The recurring issue in all of this is the absence of knowledge and preparation.”
Kukah also criticised Nigeria’s democratic processes, arguing that while principles like “one man, one vote” have been adopted, they have failed to produce competent leadership. He emphasised that effective modern leadership requires a deep understanding of complex challenges.
In response, the Presidency defended Tinubu’s leadership, rejecting claims that he is an accidental leader. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, asserted that Tinubu is a reformer committed to transforming Nigeria.
Onanuga said, “President Tinubu is not an accidental leader. He prepared for this role and has been implementing reforms across various sectors, including taxation and the oil industry. These changes take time, but they are necessary for Nigeria’s progress.”
He further noted Tinubu’s recognition of the challenges faced by citizens due to these reforms and his efforts to alleviate their impact. “He is doing everything possible to ensure that those affected by the reforms are supported and not left behind,” Onanuga added.
