Oriontimes Political Newsroom| July 30, 2026
Chief CBN Onwuasoanya Ezendigbo, a presidential aspirant in Nigeria’s general elections, has called for a fundamental change in the country’s political culture, insisting that leadership must be about service, accountability and improving the lives of citizens rather than wealth accumulation.
Speaking in an interview with Oriontimes, Ezendigbo said politics should not be reduced to a struggle for power, looting or personal enrichment.
“If politics is to kill and loot for ransom, it’s no longer politics,” he said, stressing that the essence of leadership should be the ability to positively impact the lives of people and give them a sense of direction.
According to him, a leader must have something meaningful to deliver to the people, arguing that political leadership should be measured by its impact on society rather than the wealth or status of the politician.
He also questioned the increasing financial demands placed on Nigerians living abroad, noting that many are working excessively to meet expectations from home, including building houses and supporting relatives.
“People are collapsing abroad due to working overtime because they want to rebuild houses and meet the expectations of the people they left at home,” he said.
The presidential aspirant likened leadership to parenthood, arguing that those entrusted with public office should treat citizens with care, responsibility and compassion.
“A leader is like a father. How can you be maltreating your children?” he asked.
Ezendigbo further questioned why political participation in Nigeria appears increasingly tilted towards wealthy individuals.
“Why should politics be for those who are rich, if not because they want to steal more?” he queried.
He said his approach to governance would be centred on transparency, particularly in the management of public revenue.
“If I were president, I would be updating my people about the revenue. If I cannot give account of whatever is happening, it means I am not in charge,” he declared.
His comments underscore his call for a leadership system in which elected officials regularly explain how public resources are generated, managed and spent, while remaining accountable to the citizens they govern.
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