2027: PRP Chieftain Kingsley Calls for Merit-Based Public Appointments in Nigeria

Presidential aspirant and Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) chieftain Yakubu Kingsley has called for a new approach to public appointments in Nigeria, saying competence, integrity and accountability should take priority over ethnicity, religion, political affiliation and personal loyalty.

Kingsley said merit should remain central to the selection of public officials while government also ensures fair participation across regions, communities, genders and generations.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the former PRP presidential aspirant said Nigeria needed a system that combined professional competence with equitable representation and transparent governance. He summarised his proposed principles as “Merit, Integrity, Representation, Transparency and Accountability.”

Kingsley argued that prioritising competence should not result in the exclusion of particular regions or social groups from national participation. He called for the Federal Character principle to be applied in a way that can be measured and assessed by the public.

He proposed a framework through which Nigerians could track the geographical, professional and other aspects of representation in government appointments. According to him, greater transparency in the process could reduce recurring disputes and allegations surrounding the distribution of public offices.

The PRP chieftain also argued that inclusion should extend beyond appointments. He said government should establish structured channels for consulting political parties, professional associations, religious and traditional institutions, civil society groups, academics, labour unions, the private sector, women and youth organisations, people living with disabilities, diaspora groups and community associations.

“Governance must not be confined to Abuja or to the political class,” Kingsley said, stressing that citizens who experience the effects of government decisions should have opportunities to contribute to policymaking, monitor implementation and provide feedback.

He further said communities where Nigeria’s petroleum, gas and solid minerals are extracted should have a stronger stake in the development generated from those resources. Kingsley maintained that Nigeria’s ethnic, cultural, religious, regional and professional diversity should be reflected in governance while ensuring citizens have a fair opportunity to participate in national development.