₦airaland Forum

Bishop Matthew Kukah claims that Presidents Tinubu and Buhari ascended to power by accident, sparking a debate on Nigeria's leadership trajectory and political dynamics.

Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Catholic Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, has commented on an "accidental leadership cycle," which he asserts brought forth President Bola Tinubu, his predecessor Muhammadu Buhari, and other past Nigerian leaders.

Kukah suggests that numerous individuals assumed power without sufficient preparation.

The cleric made this statement on Sunday during the inauguration of the new Start-Rite School building and at the 4th Amaka Ndoma-Egba Memorial Lecture held in Abuja.

Kukah remarked, "Examining Nigeria's leadership history reveals that nearly every leader ascended to power by chance. Although President Tinubu asserts he was ready for the position, it is evident that he is facing challenges. We are still working to establish our direction."

He succeeded Buhari, who had already stepped back from governance. Before him, Buhari followed Jonathan, an individual who found himself unexpectedly leading the nation due to unforeseen events rather than personal ambition. Prior to that, Jonathan assumed leadership after Yar'Adua, who originally intended to return to academia following his time as governor.

Yar'Adua took over from Obasanjo, who made a surprising rise to the presidency after being released from prison. Prior to this, Obasanjo succeeded Abacha, who was prepared for an indefinite rule until his sudden death altered events. Before them all was Shonekan, a business executive unexpectedly appointed as leader of the country. This cycle highlights an evident pattern marked by gaps in knowledge and preparation.

More than an accident but a fatal collision 💥 that has mangled the nation

Buhari first term was a credible way

Second term & Tinubu was use of force

PrivateSeal:
Buhari first term was a credible way

Second term & Tinubu was use of force

Very correct

No president in Nigeria for the past nine years now. I cannot imagine myself calling a known agbero, tout, drug master and a certificate forger my president. I hate nobody, but I hate attitude, character and bad behaviour from the so call leaders, rulers I mean to say.

While Tinubu's urchinstons, BATerians, and paid agents claim that the drug lord prepared for the position of president of Nigeria over two decades ago, one wonders how someone who prepared for such a role could end up becoming the worst president the country has ever had.....prepared for over two decades but arriving with no blueprint

Bishop Kukah supported Tinubu. I remember that vividly because it was reported here during the campaigns. According to Kukah, he supported Tinubu because he was the "most experienced" amongst the pack. And I was asking them; what kind of experience is our dear bishop talking about? Bullion van experience? Chicago experience? Or Escobar experience? Bishop Kukah is an erudite scholar, but the fact is that people like him have made some costly mistakes in their choices that have helped keep us where we are today as a country.

The were enabled by Tribalist who are afraid of Nigeria working again.

Imagine the decline since 9yrs..

Buhari, Tinubu and Atiku (had he become president) were not accidental...they had the interest to be president for years if not decades! Everyone else were accidental presidents!

This one is day dreaming

Kukah is making a valid point.