Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Catholic Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, has raised concerns about Nigeria’s leadership history, describing it as a recurring pattern of “accidental leadership.” According to Kukah, many Nigerian leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, have come to power without adequate preparation or foresight, contributing to challenges in governance.
Kukah shared his views during the commissioning of the new Start-Rite School building and the 4th Amaka Ndoma-Egba Memorial Lecture in Abuja on Sunday. Speaking to an audience of policymakers, educators, and community leaders, the Archbishop discussed the obstacles faced by successive Nigerian administrations. He argued that a lack of preparation and unforeseen circumstances often led to leaders assuming office without a clear roadmap.
“If we look at Nigeria’s leadership journey, you will find that almost every leader who came to power did so by accident,” Kukah stated. “President Tinubu, despite claiming to be prepared for the role, is clearly struggling. We are still trying to find our footing.” His remarks were met with a mixture of support and criticism from those present, as Kukah’s candid assessment of the country’s political history resonated with some while raising concerns for others.
Kukah’s critique extended beyond the current administration, tracing a historical pattern of unprepared leadership. He pointed to former President Muhammadu Buhari as a key example, noting that Buhari assumed the presidency after years of political disengagement. “Buhari inherited the role after already disengaging from active governance,” Kukah explained. “This was a man who had already stepped away from the political scene, yet found himself leading a nation in crisis.”
Kukah also discussed the leadership of Goodluck Jonathan, who became president after the sudden death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. Jonathan, according to the Archbishop, was thrust into office unexpectedly, despite not initially preparing for the role. “Jonathan took over from Yar’Adua, a man who had intended to return to academia after his governorship,” Kukah said. “This unplanned succession continues to highlight the lack of preparation in our political system.”
The Archbishop further elaborated on the chain of leadership, noting that Jonathan succeeded Yar’Adua, who had followed Olusegun Obasanjo. Obasanjo’s presidency, Kukah pointed out, came after his release from prison, when he was unexpectedly thrust into power. “Obasanjo was freed from prison and suddenly catapulted to the presidency,” Kukah recalled. “This cycle of leaders being placed in power due to unforeseen events rather than strategic planning has plagued Nigeria for decades.”
Kukah also reflected on the leadership of the late General Sani Abacha, who took power following the abrupt end of Ernest Shonekan’s brief tenure as head of state. Abacha, according to Kukah, was set to rule indefinitely until his sudden death in 1998. “Abacha was positioned to rule for as long as he wished, but his death threw the country into yet another period of uncertainty,” Kukah said.
The Archbishop’s remarks highlighted a recurring theme in Nigeria’s political history—the lack of preparedness and foresight among its leaders. He argued that this deficiency has had a profound impact on the effectiveness of governance and national progress. “The cycle is evident, and the missing link in all of this is knowledge and preparation,” Kukah concluded. “Without these, we cannot expect to build a truly prosperous and stable nation.”
