PRESS RELEAS
Issued by: Bamidele Kehinde
International Director, City Transformation Project (CTP)
Lagos, Nigeria | October 2026
NIGERIA AT A DEFINING MOMENT: THE NEED FOR GOD-FEARING LEADERSHIP ACROSS ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, the nation stands at a defining moment in its history. The decisions Nigerians make at the ballot box will have far-reaching implications for our national security, economic prosperity, institutional integrity, social cohesion and the future of generations yet unborn.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for 16 January 2027, followed by the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections on 6 February 2027. These elections represent an important opportunity for Nigerians to reflect carefully on the kind of leadership our nation needs.
Nigeria continues to grapple with serious challenges, including insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, poverty, public distrust and concerns about accountability in governance. While efforts are being made to address some of these issues, the experiences of ordinary Nigerians underscore the urgent need for leadership that translates public policies into measurable improvements in people’s lives.
As the International Director of the City Transformation Project (CTP), an initiative committed to transformational leadership and sustainable societal development, I wish to call on Nigerians, political parties, aspiring public office holders, religious institutions, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and all stakeholders to place the character, competence and integrity of leadership at the centre of our national conversation.
1. Nigeria Needs Leaders Who Fear God and Respect the Dignity of Human Life
At this critical juncture, we must recognise that leadership is not merely a political privilege; it is a sacred responsibility and a public trust.
Scripture declares in Proverbs 29:2, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”
The fear of God in leadership must mean more than religious affiliation, public prayers or declarations of faith. It must be demonstrated through honesty, justice, compassion, self-restraint, respect for human life and a sincere commitment to the common good.
We need leaders whose consciences will not permit them to exploit the poor, manipulate the electoral process, misuse public resources or sacrifice the welfare of citizens on the altar of personal ambition.
However, a leader’s profession of faith must be accompanied by evidence of good character, sound judgment, competence and a demonstrable record of service. Nigeria needs leaders whose values are reflected in their decisions and whose integrity can withstand public scrutiny.
2. We Need Leadership That Can Confront Insecurity and Protect Every Nigerian
No nation can achieve sustainable transformation where citizens live in fear, communities are displaced, farmers cannot safely access their farmlands, businesses are threatened and families grieve over preventable violence.
The protection of lives and property must remain a fundamental responsibility of government at every level.
We therefore call for leaders who will demonstrate the political will, strategic capacity and institutional discipline required to confront terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and other threats to national security.
Security must not be reduced to campaign promises. Nigerians deserve coordinated action, accountable security institutions, justice for victims, support for affected communities and sustainable measures that address the causes of violence.
3. The Nigerian People Deserve Economic Relief and Opportunities for Prosperity
The burden of economic hardship continues to affect households, workers, small-business owners, young graduates and vulnerable communities.
The next generation of leaders must understand that economic growth is meaningful only when its benefits translate into better living conditions for citizens.
We need leaders who will prioritise job creation, entrepreneurship, agricultural productivity, affordable education, accessible healthcare, reliable infrastructure and policies that support local industries.
Public resources must be managed transparently, and government spending must produce measurable results. Nigerians should not have to choose between feeding their families, educating their children and accessing essential healthcare.
Our nation possesses enormous human and natural resources. What is urgently required is leadership capable of converting these resources into shared prosperity, inclusive development and sustainable economic growth.
4. We Must Elect Leaders With Character, Competence and a Vision for the Future
Nigeria’s leadership challenge cannot be solved by religious sentiments, political propaganda, ethnic loyalty or the popularity of individual candidates alone.
The forthcoming elections must become an opportunity to demand a higher standard of public service.
Across the federal, state and local government levels, Nigerians should carefully examine the character, competence, experience, policies and records of those seeking public office.
We must ask important questions:
- Does the candidate demonstrate honesty, integrity and respect for the rule of law?
- Does the candidate have a credible plan to improve security and the economy?
- Has the candidate demonstrated competence, accountability and responsible stewardship?
- Will the candidate respect the rights of citizens, including those who do not support them politically?
- Does the candidate have a practical and measurable vision for transforming communities and institutions?
- Is the candidate prepared to serve the people rather than use public office for personal enrichment?
These questions should guide our decisions more than political party affiliation, financial inducements, ethnic considerations or religious manipulation.
We must also recognise that character without competence is insufficient, just as competence without integrity can be dangerous. Nigeria requires leaders who combine both with a genuine commitment to public service.
5. Leadership Must Be Accountable at Every Level
The call for godly leadership must not be restricted to the office of the President. It applies equally to governors, legislators, local government chairpersons, councillors and all public officials entrusted with the people’s mandate.
Transformation begins when leaders at every level understand that authority exists to serve, not to dominate; to build, not to destroy; and to create opportunities, not to exploit the people.
We therefore urge political parties to prioritise credible candidates, strengthen internal democracy and reject the imposition of candidates whose records do not inspire public confidence.
We also call on public institutions to discharge their constitutional responsibilities impartially and transparently, and on the media and civil society to promote informed public discourse and hold leaders accountable.
6. Nigerians Must Reject Vote-Buying, Electoral Violence and Political Intolerance
The value of a vote extends far beyond election day. It represents the voice, dignity and future of the voter.
We appeal to Nigerians not to sell their votes for temporary financial or material benefits. We urge political actors to refrain from intimidation, hate speech, misinformation, violence and every practice capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process.
Every eligible citizen should take the necessary steps to participate in the elections, verify relevant information through official INEC channels and make an informed decision based on the public interest.
We call on INEC and all relevant institutions to ensure that the elections are conducted in accordance with the law, with fairness, transparency, security and respect for the will of the electorate.
Democracy must not become a contest in which the most powerful or the wealthiest automatically prevail. It must remain a process through which the people freely choose those they believe are best equipped to serve them.
7. The Church and Faith Communities Must Help Shape the Conscience of the Nation
Religious institutions have an important responsibility to promote truth, justice, peace, responsible citizenship and ethical leadership.
The Church must not only pray for Nigeria; it must also teach biblical principles that encourage integrity in public life, responsible participation in democracy and accountability among those who exercise authority.
Our responsibility is not to compel citizens to support a particular political party or candidate. Rather, we must equip them with the moral discernment to recognise leadership that serves the common good.
We must pray for our nation, educate our people, speak truth to power and encourage a political culture in which public office is regarded as an opportunity to serve humanity.
As 2 Chronicles 7:14 reminds us, national renewal begins with humility, prayer, repentance and a genuine turning away from wrongdoing. Such spiritual renewal must also be reflected in our institutions, public policies and everyday conduct.
8. A Call for a New Leadership Covenant With Nigeria
The City Transformation Project believes that transforming a nation requires more than changing political office holders. It requires a transformation of values, institutions, leadership culture and public expectations.
We call on all Nigerians to embrace a new leadership covenant built on integrity, justice, competence, accountability, compassion and measurable results.
Let every candidate understand that the Nigerian people are not merely voters to be mobilised during campaigns; they are citizens whose welfare must remain the central purpose of governance.
Let every political party recognise that the quality of its candidates contributes to the quality of our democracy.
Let every public official remember that history will judge leadership not by the number of promises made, but by the lives improved, the institutions strengthened, the injustices corrected and the opportunities created.
And let every citizen recognise that the future of Nigeria is too important to be surrendered to apathy, cynicism or political manipulation.
CONCLUSION: THE TIME TO CHOOSE WISELY IS NOW
Nigeria’s next chapter must be defined by hope grounded in responsibility, faith expressed through integrity and leadership demonstrated through service.
We believe that Nigeria can become a nation where justice is upheld, security is strengthened, public resources are responsibly managed, opportunities are accessible and every citizen can aspire to a better future.
But this future will not emerge by chance. It will require courageous decisions, responsible citizenship, credible institutions and leaders who understand that public authority is a trust to be exercised for the good of all.
As we approach the 2027 elections, I urge Nigerians to pray earnestly, think critically, participate peacefully and vote wisely.
Let us elect leaders who fear God, respect the law, value human life, possess the competence to govern and demonstrate the integrity to serve.
Our prayer must be matched by our choices, and our choices must be guided by the future we desire for our children and generations yet unborn.
May Nigeria rise above division, corruption, insecurity and destructive political competition to become a nation of justice, peace, prosperity and purposeful leadership.
May God grant Nigeria leaders after His heart—leaders who will serve with wisdom, courage, humility and integrity.
God bless Nigeria.
Bamidele Kehinde
International Director
City Transformation Project (CTP)
Transformational Leadership for Sustainable Societal Development