In less than 45 days from now, Nigerians would be presented with another chance to elect a new president, or decide to continue with the incumbent. Whether we agree or not, our experiences in the past as a people, whether good or ugly, have been partly (if not totally), a creation of the leaders we have at various helms of affairs in the country. If these experiences are therefore going to be better or worse in the coming years, it would still be determined by the kind of choices we would make in this 2019 elections. This is why election matters should not be taken lightly by any individual who understands what it means to vote during elections.

The politicians are not ignorant of what a single vote can do to make or mare their chances of winning in any election. That is why any politician would go the extra mile, either by crook or legal means, to make sure that he or she gets that your vote. The reason is because each vote counts, and every voter is a king when it comes to deciding who would lead the nation.

What Nigeria needs in these challenging times is a brave leader, who would confront the many problems of the nation with an absolute resolve to bring about the necessary change. Leadership is Nigeria's foremost problem. When the matter of leadership is adequately addressed, every other thing would fall in line. If all Nigerians can just wake up to this reality, that what Nigeria lacks, is not natural resources or human resources but capable leaders, then this would guide each and every one of us going to the ballot to decide who will take us forward as a people and as a nation.

What Nigeria needs presently is a kind of leader who does not make empty promises, but one who can take the nation out of despondence and the decadence of the past administrations, be it in the military or the current democratic dispensation. Nigeria today, is suffering from many decades of errors and past mistakes of the previous generations of leaders. Successive administrations cannot continue to build on these generational errors and still expect the nation to move forward. Nigeria is founded upon many faulty foundations, which if not adequately corrected now, would continue to impede the progress of the country.

What Nigeria needs is a leader who would take the bold initiative of restructuring this nation. The current marginalization being experienced in certain parts of the nation should be totally discouraged. The wide gulf between the rich and the poor still continues to constitute a menace. Nigeria needs a leader who would take the bold initiative to close this economic gap, through effective policy framework that would provide equal opportunities for each and every citizen of the nation, irrespective of their religion, tribe or language.

What Nigeria needs is a leader who would tackle the menace of insecurity, strengthen the nation's borders, protect citizens' lives and properties. What Nigeria needs is a leader who would take education matters seriously, especially at the basic and secondary educational levels; end the incessant strike actions of Nigerian Universities lecturers, and fund the university system adequately. Nigeria needs a leader who is accountable to its own people, and not one who does not listen, or even shy away from addressing them on critical matters that affect their lives and wellbeing. Nigeria needs a leader like David in the Bible, a man after God's very own heart.

As you head to the polls as a Nigerian in some days to come, remember that your vote can shape the next phase and destiny of this  nation going forward. Think about your choice carefully. Do not be deceived into selling your vote, let your conscience and your desire for this nation guide you into casting your vote for that Presidential Candidate, that Governor, that House of Representatives Member, and that Senator. Don't be carried away by the noise and the propaganda of the political parties, focus on the person, the character and the track records of your choice candidates. Never forget that, this coming election is still about Nigeria and the Leadership Lacuna.

Thank you.

[Centre for New Dimension Leadership]