In 2007, I attended a seminar organized by the Political Science Department at Nasarawa State University, Keffi. The guest speaker was the late Senator (Dr.) Emmanuel Okpudu Okpede (of blessed memory), a man whose wisdom and humor left an impression that lingers with me to this day. During his lecture, he quoted a northern politician’s cheeky definition of politics as “a situation where people come together to choose who they will blame.” The room erupted in laughter, but there was truth in the humor—a truth about the complexities of governance and human nature.
The seminar became even more engaging during the question-and-answer session. A lecturer from the Faculty of Social Sciences stood up and queried the late Senator (Dr.) Okpede, his former lecturer, for abandoning his once-strong criticisms of government. Back when Okpede was in the classroom, the lecturer noted, he was known for fearlessly condemning government policies. Now, as a senator, he seemed to have softened his stance.
The late Senator (Dr.) Okpede responded with grace and wisdom, saying, “For you to truly understand how things work, you must have a touch of experience. If you are a critic, venture into government, and you’ll see how things really operate. You can’t just sit on the bench of criticism and speak grammar.” Then he posed a question that left the room silent: “If you see me behaving the same way I did 14 years ago, how would you look at me?”
That question struck a chord. It wasn’t just about him; it was about the evolution that comes with leadership. It was about the need to grow, adapt, and understand that leadership requires more than just pointing fingers—it demands stepping into the arena and experiencing the weight of responsibility firsthand.
Fast forward to today, and this issue has only gotten worse. On social media, there are people who seem to thrive on finding fault in everything the government does. For them, nothing is ever good enough. Ironically, some of these critics have run for office, pouring energy and money into their campaigns, only to lose repeatedly. Why? Because criticism alone isn’t enough.
Leadership isn’t a theoretical exercise. It’s messy, complicated, and often thankless. Critics who have never stepped into leadership don’t understand what it takes to make tough decisions. They’re quick to judge but lack the practical experience to navigate real challenges. That’s why many of them struggle when given the chance to lead—they’ve spent so much time tearing others down that they’ve never built the skills or mindset needed to succeed.
The late Senator (Dr.) Okpede’s rhetorical question—“If you see me behaving the same way I did 14 years ago, how would you look at me?”—was a reminder that leadership demands growth. You can’t approach today’s problems with yesterday’s mindset. Criticism is easy when you’re not the one in charge, but when you’re in the driver’s seat, the realities of governance hit differently.
True leadership is about balance. It’s about knowing when to challenge the system and when to work within it to create change. No government is perfect, but that doesn’t mean it’s entirely bad either. Progress often requires collaboration, patience, and a willingness to see the bigger picture.
One of the biggest mistakes politicians make is relying solely on criticism to connect with voters. People want leaders who inspire hope, who have a vision, and who offer solutions—not just complaints. Campaigns built on negativity rarely resonate because they focus too much on problems and not enough on progress.
Criticism has its place. It’s necessary to hold leaders accountable. But when it becomes your only tool, it loses its power. Leadership isn’t about proving others wrong; it’s about showing people a better way forward.
The lesson the late Senator (Dr.) Emmanuel Okpudu Okpede (of blessed memory) shared that day in 2007 remains timeless: leadership isn’t for armchair critics. It’s for those who are willing to learn, grow, and face the complexities of governance head-on.
If you want to lead, you need more than complaints. You need solutions, vision, and action. Before you dismiss everything around you, take a moment to reflect: “Na only you good, abi?”
Leadership is about evolution. It’s about stepping beyond criticism and proving that you can make a difference. After all, it’s not what you tear down that defines you—it’s what you build.
Abu can be reached via danjumaabu3750@gmail.com or +2348062380296.
