SPPG Unveils Initiative to Develop 10,000 Future Political Leaders

The School of Politics, Policy, and Governance Group has unveiled plans to train 10,000 emerging leaders to replace aging politicians within five years.

This initiative aims to create a pipeline of fresh, competent, and ethical leaders equipped with the skills and vision necessary to drive transformative change.

SPPG founder, Obiageli Ezekwesili, said this in a statement on Tuesday, emphasising that the party aims to replace the current ruling class with leaders known for their values-driven character, unquestionable competence, and undeniable capacity.

The statement partly read, “World-class academic education initiative, the SPPG is designed as a 21st-century Disruptive Thinking Leadership program to train 10,000 new political leaders in five years who will run for elective offices at State and Federal levels in legislative and executive offices, thus presenting the electorate with top quality choices of candidates.

“These leaders will form the massive base and pipeline of a new and Disruptive thinking political class, known for their Values-Driven Character, Unquestionable Competence, and Undeniable Capacity.

Ezekwesili stressed the urgent need for ethical leadership in Nigeria, linking the nation’s governance failures to the lack of integrity-driven leaders.

“Poor governance is the direct outcome of a leadership pipeline that has prioritized personal ambition over public service. A nation cannot thrive when those in power lack the character to lead with integrity, the competence to make informed, evidence-based decisions, and the capacity to drive meaningful change. If we do not intentionally develop a new class of leaders anchored in these values, Nigeria will continue to suffer the consequences of poor governance.”

She described SPPG as the solution, providing future leaders with the knowledge, network, and values to transform governance.

CEO of SPPG, Alero Ayida-Otobo, reinforced the campaign’s message, urging professionals to step up and take responsibility for the country’s political future.

“For decades, Nigeria’s governance structures have been hijacked by individuals who lack the character, competence, and capacity to lead. Meanwhile, our country boasts some of the most brilliant professionals – doctors, engineers, economists, entrepreneurs – who have excelled globally but remain absent from politics.

“It is time for these technocrats to wake up, step forward, and lead. Your expertise is needed in governance, not just in boardrooms or the private sector. If the best of us refuse to engage, the worst of us will continue to rule. The time to act is now.”

Dean of SPPG Nigeria, Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, spoke on the institution’s commitment to producing ethical and capable leaders.

“Through our unconventional curriculum, we instill integrity, empathy, and accountability, ensuring that our graduates make ethical decisions in leadership. With intensive academic training and hands-on learning from our stellar faculty, we equip our students with the expertise and skills to navigate Nigeria’s complex political and governance landscape.”