From Winning Elections to Governing Well: The Real Road Nigerians Must Follow

 From Winning Elections to Governing Well: The Real Road Nigerians Must Follow


By Dr. Akinlooye Sarafadeen Olatunde



Comrade Elda Akor’s remark — “Follow who know road… Jagaban knows the road… Slow and steady to the promised land” — may capture the political resilience that propelled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into Aso Rock after the 2023 general elections. Indeed, the last presidential race was a display of political mastery, where, against all odds, Tinubu maneuvered through a turbulent electoral landscape and emerged victorious.


But, two years into this administration, the real question is no longer who knows how to win elections, but who knows how to govern for the people’s good. Politics may open the door to power, but governance determines whether that door leads to progress or deeper national despair. And as the president drives the political and leadership bus of our dear country Nigeria, he should drive safely and not to empty the nation into irreparable doom.


Unfortunately, the Nigeria we see today is plagued not by the thrill of victory, but by the bitter taste of bad governance. The consequential effects of leadership that prioritises politics over people are painfully evident:


1. Soaring Cost of Living: Inflation has driven food and essential commodities beyond the reach of millions, eroding the purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians.


2. Worsening Insecurity: Banditry, kidnapping, and violent crimes still threaten daily life in many regions, limiting both economic activity and peace of mind.


3. Declining Public Services: Healthcare and education remain underfunded, leaving citizens to rely on inadequate facilities and ill-motivated personnel.


4. High Unemployment and Underemployment: Many youths remain without sustainable jobs, fueling frustration and a sense of hopelessness.


5. Currency Instability: The naira’s depreciation continues to hurt businesses, import costs, and household budgets.


True leadership should not be measured by how skillfully one secures votes, but by how effectively one secures the welfare of the people. Nigerians deserve a government that transforms political will into economic stability, social justice, and inclusive growth.


Our collective focus must shift from political victory laps to people-centered governance. Winning elections without delivering good governance is like knowing the road but refusing to drive the people safely to their destination. The real “road” we must follow is one paved with integrity, accountability, and a deep commitment to the masses’ well-being.


The time has come for Nigerian leaders to prove that their political genius can translate into national progress. And for citizens, the call is clear: reward those who govern well, not merely those who campaign well.

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