Politics
BUHARI’S CONSENSUS CANDIDATE: THE BLIND MAN’S BUFF
BUHARI’S CONSENSUS CANDIDATE: THE BLIND MAN’S BUFF
BY CHRIS GYANG
Nothing rattles Mr. President. That is, the way the leader of a country that has fulfilled all the undignified requirements of a failed state naturally should.
Confronted with relatively less problems, leaders of other democracies, even dictatorships, have been known to quake, but gather themselves up and trudge on. But not Mr. Buhari. He appears to have crumbled a long time ago from the sheer weight of the responsibilities of governance.
Even the uptick in kidnappings for ransom, armed banditry, Fulani herdsmen’s violent land-grabbing in parts of the Middle Belt, Islamist terrorism, mind-bugling corruption in the corridors of his administration and run-away inflation, among others, do not shake our president no more. Afterall, these are the frightening outcomes of his lethargic, laid-back, leadership style.
Quite instructively, in April this year, a prestigious Scottish university shared the picture of President Buhari on twitter reclining comfortably on a settee at the presidential palace picking his teeth, obviously after a sumptuous meal. This is in stark contrast with the poverty, hunger and general state of discontent ravaging ordinary Nigerians. According to the institution, the picture was used to illustrate bad and insensitive leadership. They accurately hit the bull’s eye.
That twitter representation of our president also captured the very essence of the man and his leadership style in a country buffeted on all sides by monstrous problems, most of them caused by a leadership deficit. But even before then, because the president had continued to show an almost complete lack of interest in the burning problems threatening to over-run the country, there was a time it was widely believed that the man in Aso Rock was Buhari’s body double, a foreign impostor from Sudan known as ‘Jubril.’
Many Nigerians could not rationalize how a true national leader could display such crass ambivalence to the tempests tottering the ship of state. And although the conspiracy theory that it was Jubril of Sudan and not the ‘original’ Buhari who gave the plagiarized “I am for no one but for everyone” speech that was at the Villa was later proved wrong, Mr. Buhari has remained as aloof and absent-minded as ever.
Many other Nigerians who claimed he had dementia still hold on to that belief and cite Mr. Buhari’s tepid responses to the killings, abductions for ransom, armed banditry, armed herdsmen’s attacks, etc, as glaring examples.
But there is still a very notable exception to these. Matters of partisan politics, wielding and dispensing power (with large doses of nepotism) and choosing his own successor, excite Mr. President in no small measure. To Buhari and the core northern political, religious and feudal establishments, political power is an end in itself. They proudly call it MULKI up north and hanker after it with uncommon zeal.
For them, controlling the levers of the Federal Government is sufficient, even if large swathes of their own states are in the hands of terrorists, bandits and other well-armed gangs. For them, it is enough to be president even if your region holds the ignoble record of having the largest number of poor people and out of school children in the country, not to mention their concomitant consequences.
Unfortunately, it is these and such other beliefs that have underpinned Buhari’s administration in the last seven years. And it is on that basis that he wishes to impose another northerner on the country during his APC’s presidential convention.
It is so frightening that President Buhari’s misplaced but growing sense of entitlement, self-accomplishment and self-worth make him feel that he should be allowed by the ruling APC to single-handedly determine its presidential candidate in next year’s election. Apparently, he wants to perpetuate this sweltering nightmare, state of anomy, that has become Nigeria’s new normal since he assumed power in 2015.
In a meeting with APC governors on May 31, 2022, President Buhari spelt out his demand in no uncertain terms. DAILY TRUST newspaper (June 1, 2023) captured it this way: “President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday dropped a bombshell when he told the governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to allow him to make a choice for his successor.”
According to the tabloid, the governors were taken aback because they had expected the president to allow them choose one of them to succeed him. But the president’s demand should not have come as a surprise to the governors because there appears to have been an understanding between them and the president on this matter. Thus, he reminded them that the Party had already put in place smooth succession plans at the local government, state and national levels.
“For example,” Mr. Buhari explained, “first term governors who have served credibly well have been encouraged to stand for re-election. Similarly, second term governors have been accorded the privilege of promoting successors that are capable of driving their visions as well as the ideals of the party.”
Aggrieved Party members in states such as Plateau who felt that their second-term governors unjustly imposed their successors in the recent primary elections now know that they did so with the tacit backing of Aso Rock. The pact was that the governors would also bend over backwards to serve the interest of Mr. President when it comes to choosing his own successor.
So if such APC members had had any hopes of extracting justice through the intervention of Mr. Buhari or their Party’s national leadership, they should kiss that hope goodbye.
Now the president wants his pound of flesh from the state governors. He is telling them that, in the spirit of give and take, they should also allow him choose the presidential candidate of the APC. During that meeting with the governors, he proceeded to pontificate about the values of democracy and the goals and benefits of good governance in a way that completely belied his democratic credentials and the way he has misled the country so far.
Hear him: “In a few days, the party will be holding its convention during which primaries would take place to pick the presidential flag bearer for the 2023 General Elections. This is a very significant process and its outcome should prove to the world, the positive quality of the APC regarding democratic principles, culture as well as leadership.
“As we approach the Convention, I appeal to all of you to allow our interests to converge, our focus to remain on the changing dynamics of our environment, the expectations of our citizens and the global community. Our objective must be the victory of our party and our choice of candidate must be someone who would give the Nigerian masses a sense of victory and confidence even before the elections.” Mere platitudes, as usual.
Also Read: Kashim Shettima: Victory at the end
The president even emphasized the need to meet the expectations of the global community as if he had made any spirited attempts in his seven years in office to effectively leverage on the strategic position and immense human and natural resources of the country to make it a key global player.
With an intractable Islamist rebellion and armed Fulani herdsmen’s expansionism going on almost unabated, the Buhari administration has consistently shown the international community that it lacks the moral courage and political will to put a stop to these and other forms of bloody criminality that have become the order of the day all over the country. As a result, most of the global community has now adopted a stand-and-watch attitude towards Nigeria as it goes about its half-hearted motions of battling insecurity.
It is a continuation of this that the president wants the APC to allow him perpetuate by choosing a northern candidate to succeed him. No doubt, the feeling that he wants to impose a northern candidate on the APC has caused great disquite in the ranks of the party and frayed a lot of nerves. Apparently, now that it suits their whims, power shift and zoning may as well go to the dogs. But once upon a time, in fact only about eight years ago, Buhari and the core north tightly held on to these principles with religious zeal and threatened to upset the political apple cart if they were not strictly upheld. And they had their way because good reason prevailed.
The outbursts of the National Leader of the APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on June 2, 2022, at Abeokuta, Ogun State, clearly underscored this growing tension, dissatisfaction and suspicion both within the APC and the polity generally, considering the fact that it is this political party that is in charge of running the affairs of the country.
In obvious response to Buhari’s shinanigans, an apparently frustrated Tinubu declared: “If not me that led the war front, Buhari wouldn’t have emerged. He contested first, second and third times, but lost. He even said on television that he won’t contest again.
“But I went to his home in Katsina. I told him you would contest and win, but you won’t joke with the matters of the Yorubas. Since he has emerged, I have not been appointed minister. I didn’t get contract. This time, it’s Yoruba turn and in Yorubaland, it’s my tenure.”
In the last few days, there have been strong indications that the president may very likely cave in to pressure from the cabal in the Presidency, chiefly made up of his relatives and a few high-ranking officials in his government, and select between the Senate President, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan (an ultra-conservative core northerner) and former Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Yarima (the man who first introduced Sharia as state law while he was governor) as the APC’s consensus presidential candidate. Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s anger must have been fueled by these widespread speculations which are gradually gaining traction.
But in a swift response, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Babachir David Lawan, lashed out at Tinubu’s grandstanding, describing it as ‘bulshit’ (sic). Now, it’s significant to note that this is coming from a man who is one of Tinubu’s closest political allies. In fact, he was among the heavyweights that purchased the APC Presidential nomination form for Tinubu and has been a leading force in his campaign to be President in 2023.
But Lawan, a self-professed northerner, appears to have sided with the core north and Mr. Buhari against his political ally. And his vituperations would further reveal the deep-seated suspicion the core north has harboured against the Yoruba, spanning decades. VANGUARD newspaper quoted him as saying: “Sometimes it is very difficult to support a Yoruba person in national politics if you are not one.
“They have a way of making you regret your support because they eventually make you seem like a traitor to your own people. Now all these comments about Bola’s Yoruba presidency and his support of Buhari without which Buhari would not have been President is bulshit.”
He pointed out that there were many other Nigerians from other parts of the country who also contributed in making Mr. Buhari President but were “not bragging about it” and expressed regret that “You may wish to know that all of us Buhari supporters are shocked and pissed off by Bola’s speech on this occasion. It is unlike him.
“And this speech is massively trending in the North and being given a negative connotation as you can well imagine. I first read it this morning on an Adamawa group platform and the anger is palpable and all round.”
Certainly, the fact that Buhari wishes to single-handedly select the APC Presidential candidate is creating big cracks in the APC as old comrades tear each other to shreds, egged on by their deep ethnic and regional cleavages. These have now been exposed by the stress of this brutal struggle for the APC Presidential ticket. But Babachir Lawan is not yet done. He must remind the Yoruba and other Nigerians about one of Bola Tinubu’s tribesmen whose stars, he believes, were dimmed by similar attitudes.
“This appears to be the Abiola saga,” he said, “being replayed. Abiola won the election with majority Northern votes but they took the brunt of the post-election protests that followed.
“Just survey all the people that are doing more meaningful practical things to enthron (sic) Bola as President and you will find that almost all are northerners while his kinsmen engage themselves in social media activism and Northern bashing.
“When Yorubas vilify the North like this, our sense of fear and insecurity under a Yoruba presidency gets heightened and in the end, pushes us to re-think our support for not only Bola but any Yoruba as President for that matter.”
But he concluded on this rather conciliatory note: “Please, do not join our opponents to destroy our chances of clinching Monday’s primary elections.”
Nevertheless, Buhari’s consensus candidate gambit has already done irreparable damage to the APC. It can only get worse and may well be the last straw that will break this camel’s back. Buhari is taking a dangerous shot in the dark.
He is blindly groping in the dark, like he has done with the destiny of Nigerians and their motherland in the last seven years, with these catastrophic consequences. In this highly risky blind man’s buff game he is playing, the odds are dangerously high. He may just lay his hands on the wrong person. And things will definitely fall apart.
(GYANG is the Chairman of the N.G.O, Journalists Coalition for Citizens’ Rights Initiative – JCCRI. Visit our website: https://jccri-online.org. Follow us on our Twitter handle: @jccri1. Facebook
page: facebook.com/jccrionline. Emails: info@jccrionline.org; chrisgyang01@gmail.com)
BUHARI’S CONSENSUS CANDIDATE: THE BLIND MAN’S BUFF
Borno 2027: The General’s Charge and How Zulum Unleashes Borno’s Heavyweight Political Squad
By Abubakar M. Kareto
In Nigerian politics, elections are rarely won on auditorium stages; they are decided in the quiet corridors of rural wards and the long queues of remote polling units.
The formal inauguration of the Borno State All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council at the Government House followed by a massive, open-air campaign flag-off at the Sports Centre in Maiduguri represents a calculated departure from routine rally-making toward micro-targeted grassroots mobilization.
By commanding party stalwarts to abandon executive comfort and embed themselves directly within their local communities, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum is deploying a bottom-up doctrine aimed at locking down political legitimacy where it matters most.
At the heart of this strategy is the critical task of maintaining party cohesion after intense internal primaries. Zulum’s explicit instruction for victorious candidates to reach out and heal rifts with aggrieved aspirants reflects a realistic understanding of political arithmetic: internal resentment erodes turnout faster than any opposition campaign. By coupling reconciliation with firm warnings against subversion, the leadership is attempting to forge an unbreakable front out of potentially volatile factions.
The sheer scale of political unity displayed in Maiduguri underscores the formidable nature of this campaign structure. Bringing together political titans including former Governors Senator Maina Ma’aji Lawan and Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, alongside APC Deputy National Chairman Ali Bukar Dalori and the state’s complete senatorial delegation demonstrates an unprecedented level of internal alignment.
This public display of solidarity among historical heavyweights signals organizational stability, minimizing space for opposition inroads while keeping rank-and-file members firmly aligned.
Beyond local dynamics, Borno State occupies a unique position on the national political chessboard as the home state of Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima. In this high-stakes arena, sheer victory is insufficient; the turnout margin itself serves as a barometer of political influence.
Delivering a massive vote tally is therefore both a local objective and a strategic demonstration of national strength, cementing the state’s leverage within the governing alliance.
To turn political influence into actual votes, the campaign relies heavily on record-based persuasion and visible governance dividends. By grounding the campaign pitch in key developmental gains achieved despite severe security challenges and highlighting major federal institutions acquired in Gwoza, Bama, and Azare canvassers are equipped with a tangible policy narrative. Framing voter turnout for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, gubernatorial candidate Engr. Mustapha Gubio, and all legislative candidates as a direct return on investment gives party workers a clear, evidence-backed story for every doorstep across the state’s 27 local government areas.
A vital strength of this expanded outreach is the deliberate inclusion of women and youth as core engines of voter mobilization. The strong presence of the women’s delegation led by Borno First Lady Dr. Falmata Babagana Umara Zulum alongside the wife of the Deputy Governor and the wives of party candidates highlights an organized effort to engage families and community networks directly. Demanding structured participation across all demographics ensures that campaign directives actively translate into voter registration and turnout.
Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur’s commitment to an issue-based, unit-by-unit campaign outlines the operational mechanics needed to execute this vision. Requiring regular field reports creates a system of measurable accountability across every precinct. In a vast state with complex logistics, such systematic tracking ensures that high-level strategy is actively carried out at every single polling station.
Lastly, the Maiduguri launch demonstrates how strategic discipline, elite reconciliation, and precinct-level focus converge to shape electoral outcomes. In an increasingly competitive political landscape, the Borno APC has laid out a clear blueprint: harness the full weight of a unified leadership squad, but win the election one polling unit at a time.
About the Author
Abubakar M. Kareto is a Public Affairs Analyst and Communications Strategist focusing on governance, policies, economy, and institutional reforms across Nigeria and Africa. He can be reached on X @amkareto and via email at amkareto@gmail.com.
Borno 2027: The General’s Charge and How Zulum Unleashes Borno’s Heavyweight Political Squad
FROM A SILVER SPOON TO A GREATER BORNO: THE GUBIO RISE
By: Dr James Bwala
In politics, no one grows in isolation. Leadership is not developed in a vacuum; it is shaped by mentorship, experience, relationships, and a sincere commitment to the people. This truth is reflected in the words of the APC gubernatorial candidate and prospective governor of Borno State, Engr. Mustapha Gubio, who acknowledged the influential roles of His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, in his political and leadership journey. Describing the vice president as a grandfather and Governor Zulum as a father, Engr. Gubio recognised the strong pillars upon which he is learning the art of governance and the politics of peace.
This statement is more than an expression of personal gratitude. It represents a philosophy of leadership founded on continuity, mentorship, humility, and service. Borno State requires leaders who understand its history, appreciate its challenges, and are prepared to build on the progress already achieved. Engr. Mustapha Gubio’s close association with two of the state’s most important political figures provides him with a valuable foundation. Through their experience, he has been exposed to the complexities of governance, the importance of stability, and the responsibilities that come with public office.
Borno has faced challenges that demand more than political slogans. For many years, the state has contended with insecurity, displacement, economic hardship, destroyed infrastructure, disrupted education, and the painful consequences of conflict. Yet, despite these difficulties, Borno has also demonstrated remarkable courage and resilience. Its people have continued to hope, rebuild, work, and support initiatives aimed at restoring peace and development. Therefore, the state needs a leader who will protect the gains made so far while introducing practical and sustainable solutions to its remaining problems.
Engr. Gubio’s political outlook appears to be rooted in this understanding. By recognising that no politician develops alone, he acknowledges the value of experience and collective wisdom. This is especially important in governance, where decisions affect millions of lives and where errors can carry serious consequences. A leader who learns from experienced mentors is more likely to appreciate the complexity of public administration, understand the need for consultation, and avoid the dangers of arrogance and isolation.
Vice President Kashim Shettima’s political career offers an important example of commitment to public service. Before becoming vice president of Nigeria, he served as governor of Borno State and played a significant role during one of the most difficult periods in the state’s history. His experience in managing security challenges, coordinating development efforts, and maintaining public confidence gives him a profound understanding of Borno’s needs. His influence on the next generation of leaders is therefore significant. As a political grandfather, in Engr. Gubio’s words, he represents institutional memory, wisdom, and the continuity of a political tradition focused on service.
Similarly, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has become widely associated with compassion, courage, and purposeful leadership. His administration has worked to address insecurity, rebuild communities, support displaced individuals, improve education, strengthen healthcare, and expand infrastructure. Although challenges remain, his government has demonstrated that effective leadership requires both vision and personal commitment. Governor Zulum’s regular presence in affected communities and his willingness to engage directly with citizens have strengthened public confidence in government.
To describe Governor Zulum as a father is to recognise the value of guidance and practical mentorship. A father does not merely provide instructions; he teaches through example, corrects with wisdom, encourages growth, and prepares the next generation to assume responsibility. In this context, Engr. Gubio’s relationship with Governor Zulum suggests that he is not seeking office without preparation. Rather, he is learning from a leader who understands the burdens of governance and the importance of placing the interests of the people above personal ambition.
The most compelling aspect of Engr. Gubio’s statement is about his emphasis on the politics of peace. For Borno, peace is not a decorative political phrase. It is the foundation upon which every other form of development depends. Without peace, schools cannot function properly, farmers cannot cultivate their land safely, businesses cannot grow, healthcare services cannot reach vulnerable communities, and investors will remain cautious. Peace is therefore not simply the absence of violence; it is the presence of security, justice, opportunity, and social trust.
A politics of peace requires a leader who is willing to build bridges rather than deepen divisions. Borno is a diverse state with different communities, ethnic groups, religious identities, social interests, and political opinions. Responsible leadership must recognise this diversity as a strength. It must promote fairness, inclusion, and mutual respect. The government must ensure that every community feels seen, heard, and protected. Engr. Mustapha Gubio’s stated commitment to peace offers an encouraging indication that his administration, if elected as governor of Borno State, would seek to unite the people.
However, peace must be supported by development. A young person without access to education, employment, or productive opportunities can easily become vulnerable to manipulation and criminality. Communities that lack roads, electricity, clean water, healthcare, and economic support may lose confidence in government. For this reason, a successful administration must link security with human development. The restoration of peace must be accompanied by investments in education, agriculture, entrepreneurship, public health, and social protection.
Borno has enormous potential in agriculture, trade, livestock, solid minerals, culture, and human capital. A government that creates the right environment can transform these resources into opportunities for its people. Farmers need improved access to seeds, fertilisers, irrigation, storage, markets, and security. Small businesses need affordable credit, reliable electricity, skills training, and simplified regulations. Young people need education that combines academic knowledge with vocational and technological skills. Women need greater access to economic opportunities and support systems. These measures would not only reduce poverty but also strengthen peace by giving citizens a meaningful stake in the future.
Another important responsibility of the next administration will be the continued rehabilitation and reintegration of displaced individuals and communities affected by conflict. Rebuilding homes and infrastructure is essential, but recovery must also include emotional healing, access to livelihoods, education for children, and support for families that have suffered loss. The process must be transparent, inclusive, and sensitive to local realities. Citizens should not merely be recipients of government policies; they should be active participants in designing and implementing them.
Engr. Gubio’s background and political relationships may help him understand the importance of continuity. Every new administration should introduce fresh ideas, but it should not abandon successful programmes simply because they were initiated by a previous government. Good governance requires the ability to preserve what works, correct what does not, and improve policies through innovation. Continuity does not mean refusing change. Instead, it means building responsibly on existing foundations while responding to new realities.
His statement also reveals a sense of humility that is essential in public office. A politician who recognises the contributions of others is more likely to respect institutions, listen to advisers, and value teamwork. Governance is not a personal possession. It is a public trust involving civil servants, traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies, community organisations, businesses, development partners, and ordinary citizens. No governor can succeed alone. The ability to unite these groups around a common vision will be critical to the future of Borno State.
At the same time, mentorship must be accompanied by independent judgement. While Engr. Gubio can draw wisdom from Vice President Shettima and Governor Zulum, he must also be prepared to respond to the unique challenges of his own time. Every administration inherits both achievements and unfinished tasks. The next governor will need to make decisions based on evidence, consultation, and the changing needs of the people. Political loyalty should never replace accountability, and continuity should never become an excuse for complacency.
The people of Borno will rightly expect measurable results. They will want to see safer communities, improved schools, functional hospitals, better roads, expanded employment, stronger agricultural production, and transparent public finances. They will expect leaders to communicate openly and to explain the reasons behind major policies. They will also expect justice and fairness in the distribution of projects and opportunities. The success of any administration should ultimately be judged by the improvement it brings to the lives of ordinary citizens.
For this reason, Engr. Gubio’s message must be transformed into a clear social contract with the people. His commitment to peace should be reflected in policies that address the roots of conflict. His respect for mentorship should be reflected in a government that values competence and experience. His promise of development should be demonstrated through realistic programmes with clear timelines and measurable outcomes. Above all, his leadership should remain centred on service rather than personal prestige.
Borno stands at an important point in its history. The state has endured tremendous suffering, but it has also shown extraordinary strength. With the right leadership, it can move from recovery to sustainable prosperity. The next phase will require patience, discipline, courage, and cooperation. It will require leaders who understand that political office is not a reward but a responsibility.
Engr. Mustapha Gubio’s recognition of Vice President Kashim Shettima as a grandfather and Governor Babagana Umara Zulum as a father presents him as a candidate who values experience, guidance, and continuity. More importantly, his commitment to the politics of peace speaks directly to the central aspiration of the people of Borno. If translated into inclusive policies, accountable governance, and practical development initiatives, this vision can help move the state towards a more secure and prosperous future.
Indeed, Borno needs a leader who will inherit the wisdom of the past, respond intelligently to the challenges of the present, and prepare the state for the opportunities of the future. A leader who understands that peace is the beginning of progress, that development must include every community, and that governance is most meaningful when it improves the lives of the people is that leadership that Borno is aspiring for and Engr. Mustapha Gubio is standing tall and positioned in a square peck.
* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Maiduguri.
FROM A SILVER SPOON TO A GREATER BORNO: THE GUBIO RISE
Politics
Beyond Politics: The Betara Leadership Question – An Independent Assessment of Hon. Muktari Betara Aliyu
Beyond Politics: The Betara Leadership Question – An Independent Assessment of Hon. Muktari Betara Aliyu
By: Dr. James Bwala
Habib Mohammed Biu’s open letter to Rt. Hon. Muktari Aliyu Betara appears genuine at first reading. Its concerns seem to emerge from a citizen’s desire to draw attention to issues affecting the people of Biu, Kwaya-Kusar, Bayo, and Shani Federal Constituency. Such interventions are important in a democracy because elected representatives must remain accountable to the people they serve. Citizens have the right to question priorities, demand explanations, and express disappointment when they believe their needs are not being adequately addressed.
However, when the letter is examined more critically, it appears to reflect a misplaced priority and an incomplete understanding of the responsibilities of a leader operating at the national level. Habib’s position seems to be that of an ordinary citizen thinking through immediate community concerns, while Hon. Betara’s approach is necessarily broader, more strategic, and more complex. The difference between the two perspectives is substantial. One focuses primarily on what is visible and immediately desired by the people; the other must consider competing demands across local governments, the state, and the nation.
This distinction is essential to a fair assessment of Hon. Muktari Aliyu Betara. He should not be reduced to the identity of a local champion whose value is measured only by how quickly he responds to every local appeal. He has become a national figure, particularly because of his contributions and influence across different levels of governance. His responsibilities extend beyond a single constituency, even though the constituency remains central to his political mandate. A leader in his position must simultaneously respond to local needs, participate in national decision-making, support colleagues, manage political relationships, and contribute to broader developmental efforts. Judging him exclusively through the narrow lens of immediate constituency expectations risks producing an unfair conclusion.
Hon. Betara is widely regarded as one of the busiest politicians from Borno State today. His schedule, responsibilities, and political engagements reflect the demands of his position. It is easy for citizens to see only the outcomes they desire, but leadership involves dealing with numerous challenges that may not be visible to the public. A leader has many problems to confront, but he is also expected to provide solutions to many of them. This dual responsibility requires time, resources, patience, and political judgment.
The public often assumes that a prominent politician has unlimited capacity. Because a leader has influence, people expect him to intervene in every matter, assist every individual, and respond to every appeal. Yet no politician, however powerful or generous, can see all things or do all things for the people. The fact that a leader does not respond to one demand does not necessarily mean that he is indifferent. It may indicate that he is dealing with a more urgent matter, working through institutional channels or balancing several competing priorities.
This is why criticisms of Hon. Betara should be constructive and proportionate. Accountability is necessary, but it should not be confused with condemnation. A politician can have weaknesses, make mistakes, or fail to meet certain expectations without being judged as a complete failure. Leadership should be assessed in its totality. The failure to accomplish one task does not erase the achievements recorded in other areas. A balanced evaluation must recognize both shortcomings and contributions.
It is therefore encouraging that Malam Habib Mohammed Biu acknowledged Hon. Betara’s intervention in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board registration process. That intervention reportedly benefited many people on whose behalf Habib was appealing. This acknowledgement is significant because it demonstrates that Betara has responded to real needs within the constituency. Educational support, especially assistance with examination registration, can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. For families facing financial hardship, such support may determine whether a student is able to participate in an important stage of his or her education.
However, Hon. Betara is not the only politician representing the people of that constituency. Responsibility for development and public welfare must be shared among elected officials, political leaders, community organizations, and citizens. It would be unfair to place every expectation on one individual. Other representatives and stakeholders should also be encouraged to contribute. If one politician is doing something beneficial, the appropriate response should be recognition and encouragement, while others are urged to do more.
Political leadership is not a one-man assignment. Members of the National Assembly, state officials, local government authorities, and community leaders all have distinct responsibilities. Constituents should demand performance from everyone, not focus exclusively on a single prominent figure. When citizens expect only one politician to solve every problem, they unintentionally weaken democratic accountability by allowing others to escape scrutiny.
There is also a need to understand the relationship between a leader and the people who support him during difficult times. The funds Hon. Betara has recently provided to colleagues and musicians may raise questions, especially when public needs remain pressing. Such expenditures may appear to some observers as misplaced when compared with the urgent demands of ordinary citizens. Nonetheless, they require context and clarification rather than immediate condemnation.
Political colleagues can serve as important pillars during periods of difficulty. Politics is a demanding and often unpredictable enterprise. Leaders depend on alliances, relationships, and networks of support, particularly when facing political crises or challenging assignments. Supporting colleagues may be part of maintaining those relationships, securing cooperation, and ensuring the continuation of political work. While such spending should not be above scrutiny, it cannot automatically be dismissed as meaningless or irresponsible.
Similarly, musicians and praise singers often occupy a distinctive place in Nigerian political culture. Their performances can encourage public figures, celebrate achievements, and create an atmosphere that motivates leaders to act. In some cases, their influence may stir a politician to respond to appeals, make donations, or support people in need. The relationship between political leaders and cultural figures is therefore more complex than it may appear. It may involve recognition, social influence, encouragement, and mobilization.
This does not mean that every financial gesture should be accepted without questions. Public officeholders must be transparent, disciplined, and conscious of the difference between personal resources and public funds. Any concern about the use of public resources deserves proper examination. But criticism must be based on facts, not assumptions. Before concluding that a leader’s expenditure is wasteful, the public should seek to understand the source of the funds, the purpose of the spending, and its relationship to the leader’s broader responsibilities.
The central issue, therefore, is not whether Hon. Betara is perfect. He is not. No leader is. The more important question is whether his overall contribution demonstrates commitment to the people and to public service. Based on the interventions attributed to him, including support for JAMB registration, it is clear that he has made efforts to assist members of his constituency. Those efforts should not be ignored simply because there are areas where he has not met expectations.
A fair political culture must learn to combine criticism with appreciation. In many communities, public figures are praised only when they provide immediate financial assistance but condemned when they are unable to meet every demand. This creates an unhealthy environment in which leaders are encouraged to pursue popularity rather than sustainable development. It also reduces public service to personal distribution of money instead of legislation, policy influence, education, infrastructure, and institutional development.
Hon. Betara’s responsibilities as a national figure should be evaluated through a broader framework. His role includes representing constituents, contributing to national lawmaking, influencing policy, engaging with government institutions, and maintaining relationships that can benefit his people. Some of these responsibilities may not produce instant or visible results. Nevertheless, they may have long-term effects on the constituency and the state.
At the same time, describing Betara as a national figure should not place him beyond criticism. National relevance must be accompanied by transparency and responsiveness. His constituents should continue to ask questions, present their concerns, and demand explanations where necessary. The appropriate response is not to silence criticism but to ensure that it is informed, fair, and directed toward improvement. A leader who has accomplished much can still be encouraged to do more.
The open letter by Habib Mohammed Biu should therefore be viewed as part of a wider democratic conversation. It may contain valid concerns, but its judgment of Hon. Betara appears too limited if it overlooks the complexity of his political responsibilities and previous contributions. The fact that one issue remains unresolved does not justify the conclusion that the representative has failed entirely. Nor should a leader’s support for colleagues or musicians automatically be interpreted as proof that he has abandoned his constituency.
What is required is balance. Constituents should acknowledge what Hon. Betara has done, identify what remains to be done, and encourage him to address those gaps. Hon. Betara, for his part, should continue to listen to his people, communicate more clearly, and ensure that his national responsibilities do not weaken his connection to the constituency. Other politicians in the area should also be reminded that they have obligations to the people and cannot leave all responsibilities to one individual.
Ultimately, leadership should be judged by both intention and impact, both visible achievements and long-term influence. Hon. Muktari Aliyu Betara may have his errors and shortcomings, but those limitations do not cancel his contributions. A leader can fail in one area and still succeed in several others. The proper response is not to reduce him to a local champion or portray him as incapable of leadership, but to recognize his wider role while demanding continued improvement.
For this reason, Hon. Betara deserves respect, constructive criticism, and encouragement. He should not be expected to do everything, but he should be urged to do more where genuine needs exist. His accomplishments should be acknowledged, his weaknesses should be addressed, and his actions should remain open to public scrutiny. That is the essence of responsible citizenship and effective leadership.
- James Bwala, PhD, writes from Maiduguri.
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