Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, has lamented the prevalence of leadership deficit in Nigeria, describing it as a major obstacle to national development.
Jega made the remark while reviewing the book titled “Transformative Leadership in Practice” by Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), in celebration of the scholar’s 60th birthday.
The former INEC boss said the book provides a compelling case study on how purposeful leadership can rebuild institutions, enhance efficiency, and restore public confidence.
He said: “This book provides empirical evidence that transformative leadership is not theoretical — it works. Professor Sulaiman’s work at NILDS shows that when vision meets courage, even a public institution can evolve into a center of excellence.”
Jega highlighted some of Sulaiman’s achievements, including a 60 per cent increase in staff strength at NILDS, analysis of over 1,300 bills, execution of more than 700 training programmes for lawmakers and civil society actors, and completion of the institute’s permanent headquarters, a project stalled for over a decade.
The political science professor noted that such accomplishments stand in sharp contrast to the stagnation and inefficiency that characterize many public institutions, stressing that Nigeria’s reform agenda must begin with changing the mindset and ethics of leaders.
He added: “We cannot continue to lament the weakness of our institutions while rewarding mediocrity and political patronage. Leadership must be guided by service, not self-interest.”
In his remarks, former President Goodluck Jonathan commended Sulaiman for being an institutional builder whose tenure at the National Planning Commission brought professionalism and structure to national policy coordination.
Represented by former Attorney-General Muhammed Bello Adoke (SAN), Jonathan said the late appointment of Sulaiman did not prevent him from instituting reforms, improving efficiency, and ensuring accountability.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Special Adviser on Job Creation and MSMEs, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, praised Sulaiman’s commitment to mentoring future leaders and transforming public institutions.
Shettima said: “His tenure as Minister of National Planning and presently as Director-General of NILDS has been marked by excellence, foresight, and transformative leadership. Under his guidance, the institution has evolved into a true think tank bridging the gap between policy, legislation, and governance.”
Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan described Sulaiman as “a reformer who turned ideas into action,” noting the creation of new departments such as the Institute for Legislative Security Analysis and the Democracy Lab.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, also lauded Sulaiman, describing him as “a man of simplicity, empathy, and discipline — a professor in leadership as much as in politics.”
In his vote of thanks, Professor Sulaiman expressed gratitude to all who celebrated him and called for support for his aspiration to govern Kwara State.
