Barde Calls for Elite Involvement in Politics to Strengthen Nigeria’s Democracy
A renowned Gombe State politician and economist, Mohammed Jubrin Barde, has issued a stark warning that Nigeria’s democratic and economic growth is at risk due to the absence of clear ideologies in political parties and the tendency of politicians to pursue power at any cost. Speaking on Politics on Sunday on TVC, Barde emphasized that the elites and educated individuals must actively participate in the political process to guide the development of political parties that serve the nation’s interests.
Barde’s remarks came in response to the recent National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria, organized by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development. He called the gathering timely, stressing that democracy cannot thrive without the active involvement of Nigerians, particularly the elites. He argued that the educated class must step into the political arena and contest for positions of influence to shape policy and hold leaders accountable.
Barde Calls for Elite Involvement in Politics to Strengthen Nigeria’s Democracy
Barde pointed to the 2013 merger of political parties, which led to the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as an example of successful political mobilization. The APC, which came together to challenge the status quo and the perceived corruption and electoral manipulation of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), was a decisive moment in Nigerian politics. However, Barde noted that today, the APC is facing internal divisions, with many former key figures leaving the party, and it has weakened as a result.
He stressed that Nigeria’s challenges will persist unless the elites genuinely engage in politics for the country’s greater good. Barde added that political parties in Nigeria are too often formed not around ideologies but for access to power, leading to weak party structures and substandard leadership.
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According to Barde, most Nigerian political parties lack a solid ideological foundation, which hampers their ability to contribute to meaningful political progress. Many individuals join political parties not to build strong institutions, but rather to gain personal power. He warned that this mindset has been detrimental to the growth of Nigeria’s democracy.
Barde advocated for the development of political parties that are built on clear constitutional frameworks, with specific manifestos that reflect the true needs of the people. He argued that the lack of sound ideology and the flawed processes for selecting candidates are at the root of the nation’s political problems. Without quality leaders emerging from political parties, Barde believes Nigeria will continue to struggle with substandard governance.
Mohammed Barde Urges Elites to Lead in Political Reform to Ensure Quality Leadership
Barde concluded by urging Nigeria’s educated and elite citizens to take a more active role in the political process. He stressed that competent individuals must be in charge of political party processes to ensure that only qualified candidates rise to leadership positions. Without such changes, he warned, the country will continue to face challenges in its democratic evolution, and subpar leadership will remain the status quo.
He urged political parties to raise the threshold for candidate selection to ensure that the nation is led by capable and visionary leaders. Barde’s call to action reflects a growing concern over the quality of leadership in Nigeria and the role of the educated class in shaping the nation’s political future.
