Jega urges value-driven leadership to transform governance landscape

Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, has called for a shift towards value-driven and transformative leadership in Nigeria.

He noted that only principled leadership could steer the nation toward sustainable development and democratic consolidation.

Jega made the appeal on Friday in Abuja at the public presentation of a new book titled “Transformative Leadership in Practice”, authored by the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman.

The event also marked Sulaiman’s 60th birthday celebration.

He warned that Nigeria’s inability to break free from underdevelopment and poor governance stemmed from a chronic failure of leadership rooted in political patronage and mediocrity, rather than competence and national interest.

“This book offers empirical proof that transformative leadership is not a theoretical concept it works.

“Sulaiman’s work at NILDS is a testament that when vision is matched with courage, public institutions can be transformed into centres of excellence, ” he said.

He further added that Nigeria must stop rewarding mediocrity and start building leadership systems grounded in accountability, vision, and service to the people.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, represented by Mr. Johnson Adekunle, Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation, described Professor Sulaiman as a mentor of future leaders, noting that his leadership had strengthened institutional resilience and contributed significantly to good governance.

“His brand of leadership shows that with mentorship and foresight, we can build institutions that not only deliver results but also shape future leadership,” Shettima said.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, in a goodwill message delivered by former Attorney-General Mohammed Bello Adoke, praised Sulaiman for introducing reforms and accountability during his tenure as Minister of National Planning.

“Though he joined our cabinet towards the end of our administration, Professor Sulaiman made an immediate impact.

“He brought structure, efficiency, and professionalism to the policy planning process,” Jonathan said.

Also speaking, former Senate President Ahmad Lawan commended the celebrant’s efforts in redefining NILDS into a hub of innovation and excellence, describing him as a “reformer who turns ideas into tangible outcomes.”

In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, offered a moral dimension to the discussion, asserting that the root of Nigeria’s problems lied not in intellectual deficiency, but in the erosion of integrity in leadership.

“Nigeria’s renewal depends on leaders who embody values such as simplicity, empathy, discipline, and moral courage values Professor Sulaiman consistently demonstrates,” the monarch said.

He described the NILDS DG as a man of character, noting that “he is as much a professor in leadership as he is in politics.”

In an emotional response, Professor Sulaiman expressed gratitude for the overwhelming show of goodwill, stating that the honour and words of encouragement had renewed his commitment to serve Nigeria and humanity with greater resolve.

“These kind tributes are not just a celebration of a milestone, but a call to deeper service.

“I remain committed to contributing my quota to building strong, accountable, and people-centered institutions, ” he said.