A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Segun Sowunmi, has expressed concern over what he described as the continued recycling of elderly politicians into Nigeria’s highest office, warning that the presidency is increasingly resembling a “sickbay” rather than a hub of dynamic leadership.
Sowunmi made the remarks on Monday at the inauguration of the National Youth Alliance (NYA) state chairmen in Abuja. The former spokesperson to ex–Vice President Atiku Abubakar said Nigeria’s political system has failed to intentionally create opportunities for young leaders to rise to positions of power.
He noted that the country has previously had a president who died in office and another who spent a significant portion of his tenure receiving medical treatment.
“We are paying a heavy price for the lack of a clear succession plan and the deliberate exclusion of young people from governance,” he said.
The former PDP governorship aspirant in Ogun State argued that leadership should combine experience with physical vitality and mental sharpness, particularly in a nation where young people make up the majority of the population.
Sowunmi also advised Nigerian youths to rise above ethnic and religious sentiments, stressing that poverty and privilege are national challenges that affect all groups.
Also speaking at the event, former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, urged young Nigerians to prioritise trust, integrity and character as foundations for leadership.
She lamented that Nigeria often fails to produce its best leaders, not because capable individuals are lacking, but because weak systems tend to reward loyalty over competence.
“National transformation must begin at the grassroots. Young people must lead by example within their communities,” Aliyu said.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Head of the Cherubim and Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria, His Most Eminence Emmanuel Alogbo, has called on President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to guarantee free, fair and peaceful elections in 2027.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos ahead of the church’s 2026 Annual General Conference (AGC), Alogbo urged political actors to reject violence and divisive politics.
“We appeal to President Tinubu and the APC to ensure a level playing field for all political stakeholders,” he said.
The AGC, themed “An Unhidden City,” is scheduled to hold from January 29 to February 1, 2026, and will be hosted by The Saviour’s Ministries of the C&S Church.
Alogbo also raised alarm over the worsening security situation in the country, disclosing that 156 members of the church are still being held captive following their abduction during a Sunday service on January 18, 2026, in Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Federal Government in addressing insecurity, he said the recent surge in kidnappings demands a more urgent and decisive response.
He appealed to authorities to act swiftly to secure the release of those abducted and to strengthen measures to protect citizens from further harm.