By Sunday Oyinloye
A veteran Journalist and prominent member of the All Progressives Congress, Modele Sarafa–Yusuf, has urged a rethink of Nigeria’s political traditions, calling for greater emphasis on competence and capacity rather than geographical considerations in choosing leaders.
In an interview with Journalists, Sarafa–Yusuf said where a candidate hails from should not be a limiting factor as long as such a person is competent and ready to serve.
She explained that democracy is strengthened by open participation, competition, and the freedom of voters to make informed choices.
According to her, any system that places undue emphasis on origin rather than ability risks undermining these core principles.
Drawing from Nigeria’s political history, Sarafa-Yusuf noted that the emergence of leaders from the same locations at different times has not weakened governance or national cohesion. She cited instances where multiple Heads of State came from places such as Minna, Kano, and Katsina, stressing that these developments did not threaten unity.
She also pointed to Kogi State as a recent example, observing that both the immediate past and current governors hail from Okene. Despite this, she said, governance in the state has continued without public resistance or instability.
Sarafa-Yusuf warned that rigid zoning frameworks could shrink the democratic space and limit voters’ options. She advocated a shift towards assessing aspirants based on their vision, track record, and ability to deliver meaningful development.
She called on political parties, stakeholders, and the electorate to support a merit-driven approach, expressing confidence that such a move would deepen democracy and promote more effective governance nationwide.
