2027: Demand national dialogue, not election – Sam Adeyemi to Nigerians

Sam Adeyemi, the senior pastor of Daystar Christian Centre, has called on Nigerians to demand a national dialogue on the country’s future direction, warning that election without clear national alignment, risks repeating past outcomes.

…says election risks failure without national vision

Adeyemi spoke on Sunday, April 18, noting: “Anything short of a clear national vision for Nigeria to become a developed economy is a waste of everyone’s time,” the cleric said, while addressing growing concerns about the nation’s trajectory ahead of the 2027 general election.

Adeyemi, who is also a strategic leadership consultant, emphasised that while election remains a critical component of democracy, it is not sufficient on itself own to deliver meaningful and sustained progress.

“Change is difficult at every level, whether individual, organisational, or national. Two things are essential: goals and systems. Goals provide direction, but it is systems – the structures, habits, and governing principles – that produce results.”

He posited that without a clearly defined and collectively agreed national vision, electoral cycles are unlikely to produce different outcomes, regardless of leadership changes. Adeyemi described the current situation in Nigeria as deeply distressing, citing widespread hardship and insecurity as evidence of systemic breakdowns.

He referenced incidents of violence as indicators of deeper failures across family structures, education systems, and governance frameworks.

According to him, a properly convened national dialogue would provide a platform for citizens, leaders, and stakeholders to align on a shared vision for Nigeria’s future, including the goal of building a developed and functional economy.

He called on Nigerians to take an active role in this process by consistently demanding clarity of direction before, during, and after elections. “Citizens must demand a national discussion,” he said. We must collectively and as “cultural cowardice”, a tendency to accept limitations and doubt the possibility of transformation. He urged Nigerians to adopt a mindset of responsibility, courage, and belief in the nation’s potential.

On governance, he stressed that many of Nigeria’s current challenges are rooted in structural weaknesses, pointing to the need for comprehensive reforms, including a review of foundational national frameworks.

Adeyemi concluded with a dual call to action: citizens must demand accountability and direction, while leaders must respond by delivering policies and systems that drive inclusive growth and long-term development.

He warned that failure on both sides would widen inequality and intensify national hardship.