As the 2027 general elections draws near, a renowned Islamic scholar and founder of Shafaudeen-In-Islam Worldwide, Professor Sabit Ariyo Olagoke JP, has called for a comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s leadership selection process, warning that the nation’s democratic challenges largely arose from a persistent failure to rigorously scrutinise the background, character and integrity of political aspirants.
Professor Olagoke made the call on Sunday while delivering a lecture at the 3rd Edition of the Annual Jagaban TV Ramadan Lecture 1447 AH (2026), held at the Jagaban TV Studio in Baba Ijesha, Oluwo Nla, Bashorun, Ibadan.
The lecture, themed, “Encouraging Ethical Governance and Personal Accountability in Both Public and Private Sectors,” centred on “Integrity and Leadership: Lessons from the Prophets.”
He cautioned that democracy, though admirable in principle, is vulnerable in societies where discipline, justice and moral restraint are lacking.
“Socrates predicted that democracy can never work perfectly because it gives freedom to everybody without introducing the required discipline for the environment to be conducive,” Olagoke said.
Addressing what he described as deep-rooted flaws in Nigeria’s leadership recruitment process, he stated: “Our process of choosing leaders is faulty.”
“We do not look at the background. We do not examine the personality traits of those who want to come into the arena of power. Until we revisit it, we will continue to miss it.”
He questioned why Nigerians failed to interrogate the formative years, behavioural records and moral disposition of those seeking public office before entrusting them with significant national responsibilities.
“Why is it that we do not look at how they behaved in secondary school or in university? Without examining personality traits and background properly, we continue to hand over leadership to individuals whose true character only emerges after they assume office,” he stated.
Professor Olagoke further observed that Nigeria’s vast natural resources should ordinarily position the country among the world’s most prosperous nations.
He, however, argued that persistent mismanagement and a deficit of integrity have continued to impede national progress.
Earlier in his address, the ounder and Executive Director of Jagaban Communications, Mr. Samuel Oluwaseun Adenitan, underscored the centrality of integrity, strategic leadership and collective responsibility to Nigeria’s advancement.
“Nigeria can rise. Nigeria can prosper. Nigeria can lead. But only through integrity, accountability, strategic leadership, and collective responsibility,” Adenitan said.
He stressed that national security and foreign policy must be firmly anchored in strategic diplomacy and the protection of national interests.
“Nigeria must engage global powers strategically and carefully, particularly in areas of security cooperation and crime prevention.”
“While international alliances are important, our sovereignty and internal security must remain paramount,” Adenitan stated.
Adenitan also called for comprehensive reforms in crime prevention and the electoral system, advocating the adoption of digital and technologically advanced voting systems to enhance transparency and curb manipulation.
He suggested that Nigeria’s multiparty political structure may require restructuring, proposing that a strong two-party system with clearly defined ideologies and policy focus could strengthen accountability and promote political stability.
“When we prioritise economic reforms, industrial development, youth empowerment, agricultural advancement, and local production, our currency will grow stronger, the economy will become competitive, and our people will prosper,” he added.
