Whenever Nigerians complain about poor governance, corruption, insecurity, or economic hardship, a familiar argument often emerges: “People get the leadership they deserve.”
But is this really true? Are Nigerians poor followers who enable bad leadership? Or are they victims of a political system that limits their choices and weakens accountability?
The argument that Nigerians deserve their leaders’ rests on a simple idea: leaders do not emerge from a vacuum. They are products of society.
Supporters of this viewpoint to elections. Nigeria has conducted several democratic elections since 1999, and citizens have repeatedly voted for many of the same political actors, parties, and power structures.
Critics argue that many voters prioritize ethnicity, religion, region, or immediate personal benefits over competence and long-term national interests.
Vote buying remains common in many parts of the country despite widespread public criticism. Political rallies often attract enthusiastic crowds, even for candidates facing serious allegations of corruption or poor performance.
Some analysts therefore argue that citizens share responsibility for the quality of leadership they receive because they tolerate practices that undermine good governance.
Beyond elections, there are examples of everyday behaviour that critics say contribute to leadership failures.
Many Nigerians condemn corruption in government but engage in similar practices at lower levels. Bribery, favouritism, examination malpractice, tax evasion, and disregard for public rules are often cited as evidence that societal values influence political outcomes.
The late political scientist Claude Ake once argued that political leadership often reflects the broader values and structures of society. In this view, leaders are not entirely separate from the people; they emerge from the same environment.
However, there is another side to the argument.
Many Nigerians reject the idea that citizens deserve poor leadership. They argue that the country’s political system often restricts meaningful choice.
Political parties are frequently controlled by powerful elites. Candidate selection processes can be influenced by money, godfatherism, and internal party politics, leaving voters with limited options.
Even when citizens vote, concerns about electoral malpractice, voter suppression, and institutional weaknesses have sometimes raised questions about whether election outcomes fully reflect the will of the people.
Supporters of this position also point out that millions of Nigerians continue to demonstrate resilience, entrepreneurship, and civic responsibility despite difficult circumstances.
Nigerians routinely organize community development projects, support one another during crises, build successful businesses, and excel internationally in fields ranging from medicine to technology and entertainment.
If ordinary citizens can display such initiative and competence, they argue, it would be unfair to suggest that the entire population deserves ineffective leadership.
There is also the issue of accountability.
In a democracy, leadership carries greater responsibility because leaders possess the power to make decisions that affect millions of people. Citizens may elect leaders, but leaders control public resources, formulate policies, and oversee institutions.
For this reason, many scholars argue that leadership failures should not be transferred entirely to the electorate.
The relationship between leaders and followers is complex.
Good leaders can inspire positive behaviour among citizens, while poor leadership can weaken institutions and encourage cynicism. At the same time, active and responsible citizens can help demand accountability and strengthen democratic culture.
CONCLUSION
So, do Nigerians deserve the leaders they have had so far?
The answer may not be a simple yes or no.
Citizens bear some responsibility for the political culture they tolerate, the choices they make, and the level of accountability they demand. However, leaders also bear a greater responsibility because they possess the authority and resources to shape national outcomes.
Perhaps the better question is not whether Nigerians deserve their leaders, but how both leaders and citizens can work to build a political system that rewards competence, integrity, accountability, and public service.
After all, leadership and followership are two sides of the same democratic coin. A nation rarely rises above both.
