Nigeria’s democracy must respond to rapidly changing world, meet aspirations of youths – PDP women leader

The National Women Leader of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Mrs Mrs. Amina Darasimi Bryhm has challenged Nigerians, particularly political leaders to ensure that Nigeria democracy must respond to the rapidly changing world and meet the aspirations and yearnings of the teeming youths.

She said the nation and indeed Africa need transformational leadership rooted in integrity, knowledge and vision to transit the continent to where its youths are harnessed and empowered to drive quality leadership in future.

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Dr Bryhm stated this in an interview with journalists after the unveiling and inaugural lecture of the African Institute for Statecraft International on Wednesday in Abuja, while she expressed joy that the Institute was being birth at a critical moment in the nation’s history, “when Nigeria, and indeed Africa, is in urgent need of transformational leadership rooted in integrity, knowledge, and vision.”

According to her, the theme of the Institute’s inaugural lecture, “Reinventing Political Leadership and Democratic Governance”, was succinctly captured as it is both timely and compelling.

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“It reminds us that democracy is not static; it must evolve. It must respond to the realities of our people, the aspirations of our youth, and the demands of a rapidly changing world.

“Political leadership in Africa can no longer afford to be transactional; it must be transformational. It must shift from the pursuit of power for its own sake to the pursuit of service that uplifts communities and builds nations.

“As National Woman Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, am especially drawn to the call for reinvention.

“For too long, our politics has been dominated by exclusion, particularly of women and young people, the very demographics that represent the hope and resilience of our nation. Reinventing leadership must mean deliberately creating space for women and youth in governance, equipping them with the tools of statecraft, and empowering them to lead with courage and competence.

“Institutions like the African Institute for Statecraft International (AISI) are critical to this reinvention. By bridging theory with practice, by nurturing ethical leaders, and by promoting research-driven policy.

“This Institute is poised to become a hub of excellence for reimagining governance across Africa. And let us be clear: without strong institutions, visionary leadership will falter. Without ethical leaders, even the best democratic structures will collapse.

“Democracy thrives where accountability, justice, and inclusivity are upheld. It fails where corruption, impunity, and apathy take root. Our challenge today is to re-anchor leadership in values that place citizens at the center.

“This is not merely a Nigerian imperative, it is an African imperative. For Africa cannot rise unless Nigeria takes the lead; and Nigeria cannot lead unless we reinvent how we govern.

“As we unveil the African Institute for Statecraft International (AISI) today, let us commit ourselves to the task of leadership that inspires trust, governance that delivers development, and democracy that empowers every citizen.

“Let us nurture a new generation of leaders, men and women who will not only dream of a better Africa but will also build it with integrity, resilience, and purpose”, she said.

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