Kehinde, in a statement issued in Lagos in October 2026, said Nigeria was approaching a defining moment in its history, warning that the quality of leadership emerging from the forthcoming elections would have far-reaching implications for national security, economic development, institutional credibility and social cohesion.
He urged Nigerians, political parties, religious institutions, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to make character, competence and integrity central considerations in the electoral process.
According to him, the country continues to grapple with insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, poverty and declining public confidence in governance, making responsible and accountable leadership increasingly important.
Kehinde maintained that leadership should be regarded as a public trust rather than a privilege, adding that those entrusted with political authority must demonstrate honesty, justice, compassion, respect for human life and commitment to the common good.
Quoting Proverbs 29:2, he stated: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”
He, however, emphasised that professing religious faith should not be the sole measure of a leader’s suitability for public office. According to him, religious convictions must be reflected in practical conduct, sound judgment, administrative competence and a demonstrable record of service.
Calls for Stronger Measures Against Insecurity
On national security, the CTP director said no country could achieve meaningful development while its citizens continued to live in fear, communities remained vulnerable to violence and farmers and business owners struggled to operate safely.
He called for leaders with the political will and strategic capacity to address terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and other threats to national security.
He stressed that security should go beyond campaign promises, arguing that Nigerians deserved coordinated security operations, accountable institutions, justice for victims and sustainable interventions to address the underlying causes of violence.
Kehinde also called for greater support for communities affected by insecurity, including measures to restore livelihoods and rebuild confidence in public institutions.
Economic Relief, Job Creation and Improved Public Services
Addressing the country’s economic challenges, Kehinde said the next generation of political leaders must prioritise policies that translate economic growth into improved living conditions for ordinary Nigerians.
He identified job creation, entrepreneurship, agricultural productivity, affordable education, accessible healthcare, reliable infrastructure and support for local industries as essential components of national development.
He argued that public resources must be managed transparently, with government expenditure producing measurable benefits for citizens.
According to him, Nigerians should not be forced to choose between feeding their families, educating their children and accessing essential healthcare services.
He maintained that the country’s human and natural resources could support shared prosperity if managed by leaders with the necessary vision, competence and commitment to inclusive development.
Urges Voters to Assess Candidates Beyond Party, Ethnic and Religious Ties
The CTP director warned against allowing religious sentiments, ethnic loyalty, political propaganda, financial inducements or the popularity of candidates to determine electoral choices.
He urged voters to scrutinise the character, experience, competence, policies and public records of individuals seeking elective positions at the federal, state and local government levels.
He outlined several questions Nigerians should consider when evaluating candidates, including their commitment to the rule of law, ability to address insecurity and economic challenges, record of accountability, respect for citizens’ rights and capacity to deliver measurable improvements.
Kehinde stressed that character without competence was insufficient, just as competence without integrity could pose serious dangers to governance.
He called for leaders who combine ethical values with the practical ability to manage public institutions and deliver development.
Demands Accountability at All Levels of Government
The CTP director said the demand for ethical leadership should not be limited to the office of the President but should extend to governors, legislators, local government chairpersons, councillors and other public officials.
He argued that political authority should be exercised for the benefit of citizens rather than used for personal enrichment, domination or political patronage.
He also urged political parties to strengthen internal democracy, prioritise credible candidates and avoid imposing individuals whose records do not inspire public confidence.
Kehinde called on public institutions to discharge their constitutional responsibilities impartially and transparently, while urging the media and civil society organisations to promote informed public discussions and hold political leaders accountable.
According to him, sustainable national transformation requires responsible leadership across all tiers of government and effective institutions capable of safeguarding public interest.
Warns Against Vote-Buying and Electoral Violence
As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, Kehinde appealed to Nigerians to reject vote-buying, electoral violence, intimidation, hate speech and misinformation.
He described the vote as an expression of citizens’ rights and dignity, urging eligible voters not to exchange their electoral choices for temporary financial or material benefits.
He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant institutions to ensure that the elections are conducted transparently, fairly and in accordance with the law.
According to the statement, INEC has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are slated for February 6, 2027.
Kehinde urged voters to verify electoral information through official INEC channels and make informed decisions based on the competence and integrity of candidates.
He maintained that democracy should not become a process in which wealth or political influence automatically determines electoral outcomes, but one through which citizens freely choose those they believe are capable of serving them.
Charges Religious Institutions to Promote Ethical Leadership
The CTP director also called on churches and other religious institutions to play a more active role in promoting ethical leadership, responsible citizenship, justice, peace and accountability.
He said religious organisations should go beyond prayers for national development by educating their members on the importance of integrity in public life and responsible participation in democratic processes.
He, however, cautioned that religious institutions should not compel their members to support particular political parties or candidates.
Rather, he said, they should equip citizens with the moral discernment required to evaluate leadership based on service to humanity and the common good.
Referencing 2 Chronicles 7:14, Kehinde said national renewal required humility, prayer, repentance and a genuine departure from wrongdoing, adding that spiritual renewal must also be reflected in public institutions, government policies and citizens’ everyday conduct.
CTP Advocates New Leadership Covenant
Kehinde said the City Transformation Project believes that national transformation requires more than a change of political officeholders, stressing the need for a broader transformation of values, institutions, leadership culture and public expectations.
He proposed a new leadership covenant built around integrity, justice, competence, accountability, compassion and measurable results.
He urged political candidates to recognise that Nigerians were not merely voters to be mobilised during election campaigns but citizens whose welfare should remain the central purpose of governance.
He also called on political parties to recognise their responsibility in presenting credible candidates, while reminding public officials that their performance would ultimately be judged by the lives they improve, institutions they strengthen, injustices they correct and opportunities they create.
In his concluding remarks, Kehinde urged Nigerians to pray, think critically, participate peacefully and vote wisely in the forthcoming elections.
He expressed optimism that the country could overcome insecurity, corruption, division and destructive political competition through responsible citizenship, credible institutions and leadership rooted in service.
“Let us elect leaders who fear God, respect the law, value human life, possess the competence to govern and demonstrate the integrity to serve,” he stated.
The statement was issued by Bamidele Kehinde, International Director of the City Transformation Project, an initiative committed to transformational leadership and sustainable societal development.
