A prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Segun Sowunmi, has criticized Nigeria's recurring pattern of electing ageing leaders, describing the presidency as increasingly resembling "a sickbay for old men.
"Sowunmi, who served as spokesman to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and was a PDP governorship candidate in Ogun State, made the remarks yesterday in Abuja during the inauguration of National Youth Alliance (NYA) chairmen from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He pointed to past tragedies, including a sitting president dying in office and another spending much of his tenure in and out of hospitals as evidence of the dangers posed by recycling elderly politicians in a nation with a predominantly youthful population.
"The country is paying the price for the absence of a deliberate succession plan and youth inclusion in governance," Sowunmi said.
While acknowledging the value of experience, he stressed that effective leadership also demands physical agility and mental sharpness.
He urged young Nigerians to reject ethnic and religious divisions, noting that poverty and inequality impact citizens regardless of background.
At the same event, former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Ramatu Aliyu, encouraged youths to prioritize trust, integrity, and competence.
She argued that Nigeria's failure to consistently produce top-tier leaders stems not from a shortage of talent, but from flawed systems and a culture that often rewards mediocrity over merit.
National progress, she added, must start at the community level.Separately, the Supreme Head of the Cherubim & Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria, Emmanuel Alogbo, called on President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure a level playing field for all political participants ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos to announce the church's 2026 Annual General Conference (AGC) scheduled for January 29 to February 1 under the theme "An Unhidden City"
Alogbo expressed deep concern over rising insecurity nationwide.He highlighted the abduction of 156 church members during a Sunday service on January 18, 2026, in Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, with the victims still in captivity.
While commending the Tinubu administration's efforts to tackle security threats, Alogbo urged stronger action against the surge in kidnappings and called on politicians to avoid violence and bitterness in the political process.
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