Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has proposed that Nigeria consider adopting a Chinese model of leadership selection, which emphasizes a structured, merit-based system over traditional elections.
Zulum made this suggestion during the 24th National Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Agricultural Engineers, held at the Nigerian Society of Engineers headquarters in Abuja. His Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Ahmed Bundi, shared details of the event in a statement released on Sunday.
The governor argued that Nigeria could greatly benefit from the Chinese approach, stating, “I often reference China’s election system. In China, they prioritize selection over election. They first identify credible leaders with proven integrity based on their past records, evaluate the performance of those who have held public office, select the best candidates, and then subject them to an election.”
He underscored the importance of both effective leadership and responsible followership in Nigeria, asserting that successful governance requires a collaborative effort. “Our challenges in Nigeria are not solely about leadership; followership is equally important. We need to address both aspects. While we require capable leaders, we also need citizens who can discern right from wrong,” Zulum explained.
Additionally, the governor highlighted the transformative potential of technology in addressing Nigeria’s food security challenges. He noted, “This conference offers a valuable platform to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and explore how emerging technologies can revolutionize agriculture.” Zulum emphasized that innovations like artificial intelligence and biotechnology could significantly enhance Nigeria’s agricultural practices, contributing to resilient and sustainable food systems for a growing population.
