Political experience is top for successful political leadership

 Political experience is top for successful political leadership

by Felix Samari

Today I took time to do some studies on political leadership as part of my research in diplomacy and International relations. Searching, I found this journal paper published by Cambridge University Press on 14^th May 2021 on Countries that select experienced leaders. According to the paper, “More experienced leaders are less likely to be tested by adversaries and are often found to handle international crises more competently.” What fascinated me on the discourse is the example that the contributors brought, it says, “If the controversial 25 July 2019 phone conversation between Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky – both political outsiders prior to assuming office – is any evidence, less experienced leaders may also be found wanting in their knowledge of diplomatic practice.” Gbam!

I cannot agree more that “the lack of experience often translates into inconsistent and unpredictable behaviour; it leads to subjective, emotional and at times erroneous decisions.” Locally, we have seen this played out at some levels in the political arena in Nigeria. We have state governors, senators and local government chairmen that have not had any reasonable experience in that they demonstrated unpredictable behaviors as stated above.

Coming home I think the glaring successes that have so far been recorded by Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri clearly demonstrates the place of experience in governance. Governor Ahamdu Fintiri is by all standards an experienced political leader that has learned so much over the years. He has proven that time is not too short to learn but that every moment of experience should be taken seriously. Generally speaking, experience is a many-sided and imprecise term because it not only depends on age or the type of positions occupied, but also on various activities and events, as well as the individual's ability to learn from such events. This is a position held by Alexander Baturo and Johan A. Elkink in their paper.

There is so much that is required for one to be decisive on complex matters such as in governance, as well as to be persuasive and strategic in handling matters of power. A political leader like Rt Hon Ahamdu Umaru Fintiri has shown that he is capable of navigating the landscape with much ease so much that those who ordinarily would want to criticize him still mention his good successes.

As we welcome 2022 with more political activities, more posters are surfacing by roadsides and some billboards also. The question then is, what political experience have some of these people that they want to bring on board to help shape the future of Adamawa State? It is sad that some people think once one has acquired enough money to pay electorates such an individual can contest in an election.  It Happens a lot that people who have gathered some money look nowhere other than to seek political office.  

People may have different levels of experience and might have done so successfully in their fields but those who held political offices longer and are closer in the political circle often demonstrate better understanding of the scheme of things when entrusted with political power. That is why I make reference to Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri as an example of someone whose experience is paying off in leadership. As much as non-political experience may be useful in running a political office, it has proven that many times is not enough to be retired civil servant that you come to hold a political office.

Alexander and Jonah say that “Not all politically relevant experience consists of holding formal posts.” They said, Future leaders participate in politics as political party organizers; they also participate in electoral campaigns and acquire political experience in non-political posts. Therefore, the second key variable, Total Years in Politics, relaxes the requirement of serving in formal posts and also includes years in political campaigns, years as an opposition leader, years with an active party membership and any other politics-related activity. These are also counting and it offers the prerequisite experience needed.

As we face elections and selections of candidates, I think it is will be profitable for us in Nigeria and Adamawa State in particular to look out for experienced people who have demonstrated soundness of mind and courage to take decision for the good of the people. Happy New Year.