Shehu Sani, former senator representing Kaduna central, says it will be difficult for any future leader to succeed in Nigeria if President Bola Tinubu fails to deliver on his mandate.
In an interview with TVC on Tuesday, Sani said Tinubu has a “historic opportunity” to reshape the destiny of the country, noting that Nigeria is at a crossroads that demands decisive leadership.
The former senator said Nigeria’s political system has remained toxic and divisive because politicians often treat opponents as enemies rather than partners in nation-building.
“Our politics is so toxic and hostile that those in government see the opposition as enemies, while those outside power see the government as an enemy,” he said.
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“When you have such combative politics, the country will continue to go down the drain.”
Sani lamented that the culture of perpetual politicking has left little room for governance.
“In Nigeria, we only stop talking about elections in the first year after voting,” he said.
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“From the second year, the next campaign begins. That’s why 80 percent of every administration’s four-year term is spent preparing for another election.”
The former lawmaker also spoke on calls for a six-year single term for presidents, saying such a system could create more time for governance.
He, however, warned that the idea might be misinterpreted as a ploy to extend the tenure of the president.
‘TINUBU HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO RESET NIGERIA’
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Sani urged Tinubu to look beyond political loyalties when appointing people, and to bring competent Nigerians from diverse backgrounds into government.
“The standard he set in Lagos, where he brought the best people to lead, must now be applied nationwide,” he said.
“If you have someone with a brilliant mind who can redeem the economy, you must consider what he offers, not his political leaning.
”It is incumbent on the president, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to know that he has the unique opportunity as a leader to reset, reshape and reconfigure the destiny and future of this country.
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”And to do that, he should not mind the fallout because at the end of the day, he should think of what becomes of Nigeria in the next 20 to 30 years.
”Those in power today are in their 60s and 70s. By 2040, many of them will be gone. What future are we leaving for the younger generation?
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“If President Bola Tinubu fails, I don’t think it will be easy for any other president to succeed.”
He said the president must act with a long-term vision, like reformists in countries such as Singapore and China, who made bold but unpopular decisions that later brought national progress.
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Sani added that every country that achieved greatness went through difficult reforms and sacrifices.
“There is no perfect country in the world. None started perfectly. If you look at the United States over the past 100 years, it’s not much different from where we are today in terms of challenges,” he said.
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“No country dropped from heaven. China, Singapore, Indonesia — they all paid the price for progress.”
The former lawmaker said Nigeria must decide whether it wants to remain trapped in cycles of division and mediocrity or embrace reforms that could reposition it for growth.
“There is no perfect country in the world, but if we don’t do what needs to be done now, we’ll still be complaining 25 years from today,” he added.
