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By Tracy Moses
Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, has expressed concern over what he described as a persistent leadership deficit in Nigeria, saying it is a major obstacle to the nation’s progress and development.
Jega made the observation in Abuja while reviewing a new book titled “Transformative Leadership in Practice”, authored by the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, during an event commemorating his 60th birthday in Abuja.
The former INEC boss commended the author for presenting a practical demonstration of how visionary leadership can drive institutional transformation, enhance efficiency, and restore public trust.
“This book provides empirical evidence that transformative leadership is not abstract, it delivers results,” Jega said. “Professor Sulaiman’s stewardship of NILDS proves that with vision and courage, even public institutions can be repositioned into centres of excellence.”
Highlighting Sulaiman’s record, Jega noted that under his six-year leadership, NILDS achieved remarkable milestones, including a 60 percent increase in staff strength, analysis of over 1,300 bills, execution of more than 700 capacity-building programmes, and the completion of its permanent headquarters, a project abandoned for more than a decade.
He described these achievements as a stark contrast to the inefficiency and stagnation that characterize many public agencies, insisting that Nigeria’s reform efforts must start with redefining leadership ethics and values.
“We cannot keep lamenting weak institutions while celebrating mediocrity and patronage. Leadership must be anchored on service and integrity, not self-interest,” Jega added.
In his remarks, former President Goodluck Jonathan praised the celebrant as an exemplary public servant and institutional reformer whose tenure as Minister of National Planning brought structure, professionalism, and accountability to policy coordination in Nigeria.
Represented by former Attorney-General Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), Jonathan recalled that though Sulaiman’s appointment came towards the end of his administration, he made an immediate and lasting impact.
“Despite joining my cabinet at the twilight of the administration, he swiftly stamped his authority on the National Planning Commission,” Jonathan said. “His innovations and transformative leadership turned the NPC into a more efficient public institution. As chief planner, he provided the government with all the necessary data and inputs for informed decision-making, easing my responsibilities as President.”
Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSME, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, also commended Sulaiman’s commitment to mentoring young leaders and reforming public institutions.
“Professor Sulaiman’s leadership, both as Minister of National Planning and as NILDS Director-General, reflects foresight, excellence, and dedication to institutional growth,” Shettima said. “Under his watch, NILDS has become a true think tank, bridging the gap between policy, legislation, and governance.”
Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan described the NILDS boss as “a reformer who turns ideas into results,” lauding his contributions to the transformation of the Institute.
“We established new departments like the Institute for Legislative Security Analysis and the Democracy Lab,” Lawan said. “His leadership redefined NILDS into a hub of knowledge, innovation, and professionalism.”
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, also extolled Sulaiman for embodying the ideals of moral and ethical leadership, describing him as “a man of simplicity, empathy, and discipline, a true professor of leadership and politics.”
In his vote of thanks, Professor Abubakar Sulaiman expressed profound gratitude to all dignitaries and guests who celebrated him, including both former and current Presidents of the Senate.
He reaffirmed his commitment to public service and hinted at his political ambition to govern Kwara State, calling for support from friends and associates.