Ex-Deputy Govs Say Credibility Should Drive Recruitment Into Political Offices

The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria [FFDGN] has called for a credible political leadership recruitment process as a panacea for restoring public trust and bridging the widening gap between government and the citizens.

The call was contained in a communiqué issued by the national chairman of the forum, Dr Chris Akomas, alongside the deputy national chairman, South, Hazeem Gbolarumi and deputy national chairman, North, Mukhtar Ahmed-Anka, at the end of its 5th national conference held from 20th to 21st October, 2026, in Abuja.

The two-day conference, themed “Rethinking Nation-Building: Bridging the Leadership-Citizen Disconnect Through Orientation, Attitude, Character, Culture and Tradition for Sustainable Development,” was chaired by former governor of Katsina State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, with former governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, as co-chairman.

The Forum said the current disconnect between leaders and the led is fuelled by a flawed recruitment process that fails to produce leaders with proven character and competence.

“The Forum recommended that government reassess the process of political leadership recruitment in order to ensure that the process brings out credible persons with proven records, thereby earning trust and legitimacy,” it stated.

It argued that public trust and institutional legitimacy can only be earned when leaders emerge through credible, transparent processes and demonstrate tangible commitment to responsive governance.

Beyond leadership recruitment, the Forum made far-reaching recommendations to rebuild the social contract and called for a decisive shift from patronage to merit, urging strict merit-based recruitment anchored on competence and character.

It further called on Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to publish and enforce clear service delivery standards.

“Government institutions should publish clear service standards specifying expected processing times, communication requirements, accessibility provisions, and feedback and complaints mechanisms,” it added.

The Forum calls for deepened inclusion through institutionalised gender quotas and reservation of executive positions and legislative seats for women, youth and marginalized minorities at the federal, state and local government levels.

It also recommended the establishment of formal ward-level consultative assemblies to provide regular platforms for citizens to engage elected representatives.

The Forum also called for a national framework that compels public officials to communicate openly and honestly about government achievements and challenges as a means of reducing public suspicion of governance.

It urged the Federal Government to support youth participation in digital innovation, develop an effective regulatory framework for Artificial Intelligence (AI), harness the country’s vast natural resources in agriculture and solid minerals, and ensure the completion of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex.

It further called for vigorous advocacy on Chapter 2 of the 1999 Constitution to inculcate patriotism, preservation of enduring cultural values, promotion of family and community loyalty, formal reintegration of ex-convicts into society, enhanced remuneration for teachers, and a clearly defined constitutional role for traditional rulers.

Meanwhile, speaking at the event as Grand Patron of the Forum, former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by former Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Bala Ngilari, warned that ethnic and sectional politics remains a major obstacle to credible leadership.

“One major obstacle to Nigeria’s political development is division along ethnic, religious and regional lines. We must rise above these differences and promote politics founded on competence, integrity, inclusion and national interest,” Jonathan said.

He noted that his journey as Deputy Governor, Governor, Vice President and President taught him enduring lessons in governance.

“The experience teaches patience, loyalty, consultation and teamwork. Above all, it reminds us that governance is not about one individual but about strong institutions and service to the people,” he stated.

Also speaking as Co-Chairman, Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa decried the growing alienation of citizens from government due to poor policy implementation.

“There is usually a gulf between policy formulation, implementation, and citizens’ everyday life. Over the years, our citizens have rightly or wrongly felt disconnected from governance, as their expectations, needs, and aspirations appear not to have been reasonably met. The consequence is a weakening of the social contract between the state and its citizens,” Okowa said.

He called for a shift from a government-centred to a people-centred development model with active participation of young people.