Political strategist and governance expert, Prince Asade Adedayo, has warned that Nigeria’s deepening insecurity and political instability stem from long-standing leadership failures and weak institutions.
In a statement on Wednesday, Adedayo said recent national events reflect the urgent need for a new class of leaders equipped with administrative competence, strategic thinking, and people-focused policies.
Adedayo condemned the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State, describing it as another indictment of the country’s inability to protect its vulnerable citizens. While acknowledging ongoing rescue efforts, he stressed that reactive responses are no longer enough.
According to him, the repeated kidnappings of students, with over 1,500 abducted in recent years, expose a “catastrophic failure of policy, intelligence, and Nigeria’s primary duty to protect its people.”
He also faulted the escalating crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where expulsions and police intervention have deepened internal rifts. Adedayo said the development highlights a dangerous disconnect between political actors and the citizens they claim to represent.
He noted that although media reports from The Punch, The Guardian, Vanguard and other outlets have spotlighted these issues, the coverage reflects symptoms of a deeper governance deficit.
Adedayo urged a shift from personality-driven politics to institution-led governance, calling for technology-driven security reforms, stronger civic participation, and policies rooted in inclusion and long-term planning.
“Nigeria needs leadership that prioritizes competence over patronage and long-term planning over emergency firefighting,” he said, adding that future public office holders must embody these values.
Adedayo, a political administrator and campaign strategist with over 15 years of experience, is known for his work in political organization, governance consulting, and community development.