Follow Us on Google
The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Fred Agbedi, has raised concerns about the suitability of politicians above 73 years of age for demanding leadership responsibilities, warning that Nigerians bear the consequences when leaders lack the capacity to effectively govern.
Agbedi made the remarks during an interview with AIT while discussing Nigeria’s political leadership and the factors that should guide the choice of leaders ahead of the 2027 general election.
The lawmaker argued that some responsibilities could be more effectively handled by younger people, particularly in a country where political institutions remain weak and governance is often centred around individuals.
“Part of what we are suffering is when certain people at a certain age come to power. In this country, when certain people at a certain age come to power, they are just there in power. They are not there because of the people anymore.”
Agbedi said Nigeria needed to consider the physical and mental demands associated with holding high public office, rather than focusing solely on political influence.
According to him, the consequences of electing leaders who are unable to effectively perform their responsibilities extend beyond the individual officeholder and affect the wider population.
“There are certain responsibilities you can carry at a younger age. Nigeria should begin to know that if you want to help yourself, do the right thing. If you want to help Nigeria, do the right thing.”
He warned that the impact of weak leadership would be felt by the overwhelming majority of Nigerians, noting that only a relatively small number of people occupy positions of political authority.
“Because it is not only one person that will be suffering. It is the entire Nigerians that will be suffering. Maybe 99 percent of Nigerians will be suffering.”
The Minority Leader also criticised Nigeria’s political culture, arguing that institutions often take a back seat to influential individuals.
“We are talking about a country where institutions don’t matter. It is the strong man that matters.”
Agbedi said this system becomes problematic when a powerful political figure no longer has the strength or capacity required to perform the duties of office.
“And so when a strong man don’t have the strength to do a job, the people suffer.”
His comments come as political parties and aspirants position themselves for the 2027 elections, with the age and capacity of presidential contenders already emerging as part of the wider political debate.
Agbedi stressed that his argument was not directed solely at one political party or individual but reflected a broader concern about Nigeria’s approach to leadership.
“I’m not just talking about opposition. I’m talking about Nigeria.”
He called for greater attention to leadership capacity and the ability of prospective officeholders to meet the demands of governance as Nigerians prepare to choose their leaders in 2027.
