Cardinal John Onaiyekan has renewed his call for a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s electoral system, insisting that the country cannot move forward unless its leaders emerge from a process that is transparent, credible and truly reflects the will of the people. He spoke in Abuja during the public presentation of two books by former university lecturer Dr Etta Peters, titled The Quintessential Leader and Canons of Leadership, an event covered by Zoyols Blog.
The cardinal stressed that Nigeria’s lingering problems do not stem from its citizens but from a political structure that enables a few powerful individuals to decide who gets on the ballot and how votes are counted. He said this cycle has persisted since 1999, warning that the habit of hand picking candidates behind closed doors and manipulating results has weakened democracy and eroded public trust.
According to him, many Nigerians are willing to do the right thing, but the system often imposes leaders who lack the qualities needed to steer the country in the right direction. He lamented that some parties demand as much as N30 million for nomination forms, a barrier he believes pushes ordinary people out of the political space and encourages corruption.
Onaiyekan urged the National Assembly to revisit the electoral laws and open the door for independent candidates, saying this would break the monopoly of political parties and give Nigerians more genuine choices. While he admitted that independents may not immediately rise to the presidency, he noted that they could make meaningful impact at the local level, where communities feel the effects of governance more directly.
He also criticised political structures that operate like private money vaults, run by a handful of individuals who treat public affairs like personal ventures. He called for a Nigeria where the rule of law is upheld, people can move freely, children can attend school without fear, and leaders prioritise the welfare of the nation over personal gain.
During the event, Dr Peters explained that his books were inspired by years of studying what makes a good leader. He said he became convinced that any society, no matter how troubled, can change course if guided by capable and principled leadership. He described Nigeria as a nation where many people exist in hardship instead of enjoying the dignity of true citizenship, adding that meaningful change begins with citizens taking responsibility for their choices at the ballot box.
He emphasised that the solution to Nigeria’s challenges lies in peaceful, democratic participation, not military takeovers. He condemned the rise of coups in parts of Africa, saying such actions do nothing but drag nations backward. He also highlighted the importance of education, explaining that literacy goes beyond reading and writing and includes the ability to use knowledge to improve one’s life.
Peters encouraged Nigerians to embrace reading and self development, insisting that personal growth strengthens the nation as a whole. He urged citizens to move from passivity to active engagement, believing that a better Nigeria is possible with the right leaders and a committed population.
The books were reviewed by Dr Bona Ugwuja and Professor Camillus Oguakwa. Ugwuja noted that leadership at every level must be built on integrity and the capacity to carry the people along. He added that The Quintessential Leader offers practical ideas that could inspire a new generation of Nigerians to lead with vision and purpose.
