Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Tuesday, stated that the country's leadership recruitment process had been fundamentally broken, with money, ethnicity and patronage overriding merit.
According to Keyamo, the situation has led to the emergence of those he described as incompetent leaders who have stalled the country's development for decades.
The minister disclosed this during a book launch and celebration of the 70th birthday anniversary of Chief Olusola Oke, SAN, in Akure, Ondo State capital, where he dissected what he described as the structural deficiencies plaguing how political candidates emerge, are selected and ultimately govern.
With the book titled "From the Ocean to the Bar", chronicling the life of Oke, Keyamo stressed that constitutional requirements for public office have been subverted by powerful interests operating unchecked.
The aviation minister noted that the cost of nomination and expression-of-interest forms has risen to levels that systematically exclude many capable Nigerians, arguing that the situation has transformed political participation into an elite affair where those with deep pockets or powerful sponsors prevail.
The minister also pointed to the lack of ideological clarity in Nigeria's political space as a persistent obstacle, noting that political parties often struggle to articulate what they truly stand for beyond the desire to win elections.
He said, "In many cases, candidates do not emerge because of their popularity or track record but because they have the backing of powerful figures who control party structures and resources.
"These sponsors, often operating behind the scenes, play a decisive role in who gets to contest elections. The result is that leaders sometimes owe greater loyalty to their sponsors than to the people they are meant to serve. This dynamic weakens accountability and distances governance from the governed.
"Another challenge is the lack of ideological clarity in our political space. Political parties in Nigeria often struggle to articulate what they truly stand for beyond the desire to win elections. As a result, candidates are not judged by their ideas or their vision for the country but by other considerations - ethnicity, religion, or simply which party they happen to belong to at the time.
"We should also address the role of money in the electoral process. We must find ways to reduce the influence of money in politics. This includes setting reasonable limits on campaign spending and ensuring greater transparency in how campaigns are funded.
"It also means considering mechanisms that allow candidates of modest means to compete on a more level playing field. If we do not regulate the flow of money, money will continue to dictate the flow of power.
The former managing director and editor-in-chief of The Guardian, Martins Oloja, who reviewed the book, described it as a narrative shaped by purpose and perseverance.
Oloja noted that the book portrays the author as a folklore and gospel singer, teacher, lawyer, politician, and leader, offering valuable lessons on grace, humility, and gratitude to younger generations.
"From the first chapter to the last, you will see chronicles of how the young Olusola has been shaped by the power of grace in the household of faith. In the book you will see him as a church leader even without a title. You will see how all the philosophies he espouses in all the opening paragraphs are anchored on the overt and covert words of grace."
Planning Committee Chairman Busuyi Mekusi, a professor of African literature, described Oke as someone who has enjoyed the mercy of God, broken physical barriers and demonstrated a compassionate touch with a deep reservoir of knowledge that has benefited humanity.
In his opening remarks, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa celebrated and described Oke as someone whose life is worthy of recognition and emulation.
Reflecting on his life at 70, Oke attributed his journey over the past years to the grace of God, describing his life as a testimony of divine favour, resilience, and accomplishment.
Oke said his life story reflects both challenges and triumphs across his career as a legal professional and politician, saying, "At 70, I have seen a lot, both in the legal profession and in politics. It has been a journey of challenges, but also of remarkable accomplishments."
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his leadership, while also appreciating political associates and leaders who have contributed to his growth over the years.