Beyond Politics: Building Nigeria’s Leadership Future Across 36 States and the FCT

,,,,36 PEG in focus.
By Prince Dan Olaitan Dada.

Nigeria stands at a defining moment. Decades after independence, the country still grapples with leadership deficits, economic instability, insecurity, unemployment, and declining public trust in governance. While administrations have come and gone with promises of reform, many Nigerians still contend with poverty, weak institutions, and social inequality.

In this context, the 36 Political Elevation Group (36 PEG) is repositioning its nationwide strategy to advance a culture of disciplined, visionary, and accountable leadership across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

1. A Platform Beyond Elections:
36 PEG is not a conventional political party, nor is it a movement created for election cycles alone. It is a non-partisan platform committed to leadership development, civic education, policy advocacy, and institutional accountability.

Our mission is simple: to identify, mentor, and support credible individuals who understand public administration, economic management, conflict resolution, and community development. Nigeria’s progress depends less on the frequency of elections and more on the quality of those who govern.

2. Why Leadership Development Matters:
Countries that have achieved stability and prosperity did so by building systems that reward merit, accountability, and national interest. Nigeria’s challenge has been the opposite: politics dominated by ethnicity, godfatherism, and financial influence, often at the expense of competence and vision.

36 PEG is bridging that gap by creating structured programs for mentorship, policy training, civic engagement, and grassroots monitoring. Our goal is to raise leaders who see public office as service, not personal gain, and who can deliver measurable results to their communities.

3. Kogi State as a Case Study:
Kogi State, with its strategic location as the confluence of North and South, holds immense potential in agriculture, solid minerals, commerce, and transportation. Yet many communities still face poor infrastructure, unemployment, and limited industrial growth.

36 PEG is working to shift political engagement in Kogi and beyond from personality-driven campaigns to issue-based governance. We are investing in leadership training, entrepreneurship development, youth mentorship, and community advocacy programs that hold leaders accountable and promote sustainable development.

4. Youth, Women, and National Cohesion:
Nigeria’s youth represent over 60% of the population, yet many remain unemployed and politically marginalized. Women, despite proven capacity, remain underrepresented in leadership. 36 PEG is committed to reversing this trend through mentorship programs, leadership workshops, and deliberate inclusion policies that create space for young professionals and women at all levels.

As a non-partisan platform, 36 PEG also serves as a bridge for national cohesion. We operate above ethnic and religious sentiments, promoting dialogue, tolerance, and inclusiveness across Nigeria’s diverse communities.

5. Expanding the Scope: Governance Monitoring and Policy Advocacy
To broaden our impact, 36 PEG is expanding into structured governance monitoring and policy advocacy. We will track budget implementation, service delivery, and transparency in public institutions at state and local levels. Our findings will be shared publicly to empower citizens and pressure duty-bearers to act responsibly.

This approach moves 36 PEG beyond mobilization into becoming a credible civic watchdog and development partner.

6. Our Commitment and Structure:
The credibility of any reform movement lies in its consistency. 36 PEG will evaluate public officials and aspirants strictly on performance, competence, and public interest—not on party affiliation or personal loyalty.

Under the leadership of our Director General, Hon. Chief Sanmi Isola Oluleye, 36 PEG is strengthening its structures across all 36 states and the FCT to ensure that advocacy for good governance continues beyond election seasons. Our state coordinators are mandated to build local chapters that reflect the group’s core values of integrity, competence, and service.

Conclusion:
Nigeria’s future will not be secured by elections alone, but by the emergence of leaders who understand governance as a responsibility to serve. 36 PEG is committed to being part of that solution—building a new generation of leaders who are competent, accountable, and people-centered.

If we succeed in balancing political participation with genuine advocacy for development and accountability, 36 PEG will remain a credible force in Nigeria’s democratic and developmental journey.

Prince Dan Olaitan Dada is the President, 36 Political Elevation Group (36 PEG).

Contributing Editor: Dada Ahmed, Head of Media & Communication Strategy, 36 PEG and Affiliate.

Leadership Oversight: Hon. Chief Sanmi Isola Oluleye, Director General, 36 PEG.