By Adeoye Adelekan
Prof. Aminu Gusau, former Coordinating Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, has called for a stronger culture of civic engagement in Nigeria, arguing that the quality of followership is a major factor in whether governments become accountable or drift toward poor governance.
Speaking at a virtual roundtable organised by PANAFSTRAG and Empowered Newswire on Followership Studies themed: The Demand Side of Accountability, dedicated to the memory of Aminu Kano, the true Champion of Followership, Gusau said citizens who are informed, active and willing to question those in power can help shape better leadership outcomes in the country.
Gusau drew a distinction between what he described as dependent followers and participatory followers, saying the latter are more likely to demand transparency, ask questions and push for results from elected officials.
According to him, blind loyalty, political hero-worship and passive citizenship often allow corruption, electoral malpractice and weak public accountability to thrive across many African societies, including Nigeria.
He cited South Korea’s civic-driven anti-corruption reforms as evidence that citizens can compel change from below, and pointed to political mobilisation in Kano as an example of how organised followers can influence leadership behaviour and public policy.
As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 elections, the argument is likely to resonate with voters frustrated by insecurity, rising living costs and long-standing concerns about governance.
Gusau said national recovery would require what he called “skilled followership” — citizens who are politically aware, engaged in public affairs and unwilling to accept poor performance from leaders.
He noted that once followers change their expectations and behaviour, political leaders and institutions will be forced to adjust.
