- By Akinola J. Aladejowo
In a passionate reaction to recent political developments, outspoken youth advocate and social reformist, Amb. Fred Anthony, widely known as Sigmund C, has raised strong concerns over the ongoing trend of recycled leadership in Nigeria. Speaking via a WhatsApp chat on Sunday, July 27, 2025, Sigmund C expressed his frustration with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, questioning their sincerity and direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We are not looking for anybody to unseat anybody. What we are looking for right now is a leader that can break the stronghold of the imperialists and the post-colonial influence that has kept Nigerians in bondage for decades”, he stated.
According to him, “Nigeria’s greatest tragedy is not the lack of resources, but rather the inability to convert its abundance into collective prosperity, thanks to a political class that has failed to evolve. Resources that are supposed to be a blessing to us have turned into a curse. We are tired of recycled government—from 1960 till date, and particularly since the return of democracy in 1999.”
Sigmund C didn’t mince words in his criticism of the ADC’s emerging strategies, especially the internal zoning arrangements which, according to him, only reflect self-preservation rather than national interest.
“Who is the presidential flag bearer of this ADC 2027 in question? Let’s not forget the zoning agreement they cooked up among themselves that the South must complete its 8-year tenure before power returns to the North. Who is that helping? The people or the politicians?”, he queried.
Speaking further, he said, “the sad reality we face as a people is that the very sect of leaders who should build our nation have systematically destroyed it, including our futures”.
“For far too long, political leadership in Nigeria has been viewed not as a call to serve, but as a lucrative business venture; a cash cow to be milked dry by the few at the expense of the many. This mindset has become the default setting in our political culture. It is deep, it is dangerous, and like a cancer, it spreads quietly; yet destructively. And let’s be honest: you don’t cure cancer by pampering it. You face it head-on. You cut it out with urgency and precision. You confront it with fire, not with kid gloves. Our country is bleeding; not just from economic hardship or insecurity — but from decades of betrayal by leaders who see power as entitlement, not responsibility. They’ve mortgaged our dreams, compromised our systems, and stolen the future meant for our children”.
“This isn’t just about us anymore. This is about the next generation. If we stay silent, if we remain indifferent, we’re not only victims; we become accomplices.
We must ask ourselves: What kind of Nigeria do we want to hand over to our children? Will they inherit a nation or a nightmare? Will they bless us or blame us for our silence?”.
“We need a national awakening. Not just during elections, but every day, in every corner; from the grassroots to the highest seats of power. We need to stop recycling incompetence, stop romanticizing failed leadership, and start demanding leaders who see public office as a sacred trust, not a personal ATM. It’s time to raise our voices, to organize, to educate, to resist, and most importantly, to believe that a better Nigeria is still possible. We may not be able to change the past, but we owe it to our unborn generation to fight for a future that is worth living in”.
Calling for a radical but positive transformation, he emphasized that Nigeria must now seek leadership rooted in human values, not outdated political games.
“What Nigerians need now is a radical leader; one who can take bold steps for the benefit of the people, not one who’s seeking office for elite bargaining or party loyalty,” he stressed.
Sigmund C concluded with a bold declaration, aligning himself with those advocating for regional government as the most realistic and human-centered path forward.
“Regional government is the best solution now. We must be humanly correct, not just politically correct. Enough of these cycles of recycled leadership. It’s time for a new vision, a new generation, and a new Nigeria”, he finalized.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, voices like Sigmund C’s are resonating louder across the nation — challenging the status quo and demanding a future that finally belongs to the people.