Power Is Not a Family Property

Why are some African leaders still staying in power for many years? This is a question we need to ask ourselves as Africans. Public office is supposed to be a place to serve the people, not a seat that belongs to one person or one family. In Nigeria, a president is elected for four years and can seek another four-year term, but the second term is not automatic. The people still have the right to decide whether that person should return. But sometimes, it looks as if political power has become a personal property. Once some leaders finish their first term, the next four years can begin to look like something they must complete. This can make citizens feel that there is no real choice.

Yet there are many Nigerians and Africans with ideas and the ability to serve. Democracy should give people the opportunity to choose who they want.

One major problem is that some citizens have started losing confidence in elections. You hear people say, “Why should I vote when my vote will not count?” That kind of thinking is dangerous for democracy because when people lose interest in voting, fewer citizens take part in deciding who leads them.

The 2023 Nigerian elections also raised serious concerns. The European Union Election Observation Mission said problems with transparency and election administration reduced public trust in the process and recommended reforms to improve future elections.

Now, Nigeria is moving towards the 2027 elections. INEC has already released the timetable, with the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027. INEC has also said it is reviewing its rules and working on electoral reforms ahead of the election.

The question is: can Nigeria build an electoral system where citizens have confidence that their votes will be properly counted and their choices respected? The citizens have their own part to play.

Political leaders, political parties and electoral institutions also have their own part to play. If Nigeria wants a better future, everyone must look at the problems together and be ready to change what is not working.

Power belongs to the people. It should never be treated as a family property.