By Chibuike Nwabuko
In the complex and often treacherous world of Nigerian politics, a disturbing trend has emerged over the years – the deliberate sponsorship of intellectually hollow or incompetent candidates by the political elite. This practice, which undermines the very foundation of democracy, has significant consequences for governance and development. A stark example of this strategy can be seen in the recent incident involving the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Edo State, who shockingly promised to provide “insecurity” during a campaign speech. This incident, though perhaps dismissed as a mere gaffe, symbolizes a deeper problem in Nigerian politics where competence is sacrificed on the altar of political control.
Nigeria’s political elite have often found it convenient to sponsor candidates who lack the intellectual depth or independent thought required for leadership. These candidates are typically chosen not because they have the capacity to lead effectively but because they can be easily manipulated by those who put them in power. By sponsoring these candidates, the political elite ensure that their personal interests are prioritized, while the needs of the people become secondary, if not entirely ignored.
In Edo State, the recent gaffe by the APC governorship candidate, where he publicly stated that he would “provide insecurity,” is a clear reflection of the consequences of this troubling trend. While many Nigerians laughed off the comment as a slip of the tongue, it pointed to a much larger issue – the intellectual hollowness that characterizes many political candidates today. The fact that a candidate could make such an elementary mistake on a public stage raises serious concerns about their ability to govern effectively.
Sponsoring weak or incompetent candidates serves a dual purpose for the political elite. First, it ensures that these candidates are beholden to their sponsors. Without the intellectual independence to challenge the system or propose innovative policies, these candidates become mere puppets, easily controlled by those who placed them in office. In this way, the political sponsors maintain their grip on power, using the state machinery to protect their wealth, influence, and political dominance.
Secondly, the sponsorship of hollow candidates effectively lowers the bar for public office. It normalizes mediocrity in governance, creating an environment where critical thinking, expertise, and competence are not valued. This has far-reaching consequences for the quality of leadership in Nigeria. With intellectually deficient individuals in charge of key decision-making processes, the chances of meaningful development are severely diminished.
The deliberate sponsorship of intellectually hollow candidates reflects the deep-rooted problems within Nigeria’s political system. It reveals a broken system where loyalty and subservience are valued over competence and vision. This pattern is evident across different levels of government, from local councils to governorships and even national positions.
Elections in Nigeria are rarely about the merits of the candidates. Instead, they are often about who has the backing of the political kingmakers. In such a scenario, candidates who are capable of independent thought and action are viewed as threats rather than assets. The elite would rather sponsor someone they can easily control than a candidate who might challenge the status quo and attempt to bring about real change.
When intellectually hollow candidates ascend to power, the consequences for governance are dire. Policies are poorly conceived, and development plans, if they exist at all, are often haphazard and lack substance. Critical sectors like education, health, and infrastructure suffer as those in power lack the knowledge or will to implement effective policies. Corruption thrives in such an environment because there is no incentive to build strong institutions that can hold leaders accountable.
Moreover, the lack of intellectual depth in leadership creates a disconnect between the government and the people. Leaders who are unable to articulate coherent policies or address pressing issues lose the trust of the electorate. This breeds frustration and apathy among citizens, many of whom become disillusioned with the political process and lose faith in democracy.
The recent episode involving the Edo APC governorship candidate is a glaring example of the dangers of this trend. In a campaign meant to inspire confidence in his leadership, the candidate instead exposed his glaring lack of preparedness for the role he seeks. His promise to deliver “insecurity” is not just a verbal blunder; it is a testament to the intellectual vacuum that exists in many candidates today. When a candidate cannot clearly articulate his vision for the state, how can the electorate trust him to deliver on any of his promises?
While this particular case may seem isolated, it is part of a broader pattern that affects states and indeed all strata of governments across Nigeria. This phenomenon of installing intellectually deficient leaders is one of the primary reasons for the country’s developmental struggles.
The deliberate sponsorship of intellectually hollow candidates is one of the most damaging trends in Nigerian politics. It not only undermines democracy but also hampers development and governance. Until the political elite prioritize competence over control, Nigeria will continue to suffer from poor leadership and mismanagement. The recent incident in Edo State serves as a reminder that the electorate must demand more from those who seek to lead them. It is time for Nigerians to reject mediocrity and insist on leaders who have the intellectual capacity and vision to move the country forward.
