Professor Ibrahim Gambari, former Chief of Staff to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has said that effective leadership does not require extraordinary complexity, stressing that governance itself is straightforward.
He made the remarks on Monday, the 2nd of February, 2026, while appearing on Politics Today, a current affairs programme aired on Channels Television.
Speaking during the interview, Gambari emphasised the need to revisit the basic principles of leadership and nation-building, stating, “Governance is not rocket science but we have to go back to the fundamentals how people got to where they are.”
He noted that one of his major concerns centres on Nigeria’s political parties and the manner in which leaders are produced through the electoral system.
Highlighting flaws in the candidate selection process, he warned, “And one of the things that agitate my mind is the political parties on our country and the system of recruiting leadership through the electoral process.”
According to him, failure to properly identify credible candidates for public office could prevent the country from achieving meaningful progress, adding, “The process of identifying candidates for elective office. If we don’t do that, I’m afraid we will not get the kind of result we require.”
Gambari also stressed the importance of inspiring young Nigerians, insisting that political parties must clearly differentiate themselves through ideas and long-term goals.
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He said, “To excite the younger people, they have to know that there is differences between party A and party B. They have to excite them about the vision for the future.”
Expanding on this vision, he explained that it must be one that guarantees opportunities for young people, values their abilities, and ensures inclusivity, noting, “The future that will be better for them, that will recognize their talents and a future where youths and gender are not disadvantaged.”
He further lamented the absence of women in the highest political offices in the country, describing it as a national shortcoming.
According to him, “It is unfortunate that as we speak, we have not managed in Nigeria to get a female governor, Vice President or even the president.”