By Emmanuel Okogba

A 2027 presidential aspirant, Francis Onyema has called for a shift from political class to reformist leadership, saying that the current system has failed to deliver the expectations of Nigerians.

He made this known in a new book written to unveil some of the plans he has for Nigeria in the event that he is elected president.

The new long-form essay titled From the Political Class to the Reformist (Solution) Class argues that Nigeria’s persistent underdevelopment stems not from a shortage of people or ideas, but from a political culture and institutions that have consistently failed to produce competent, ethical, and accountable leadership.

The author, Convener of the Francis Onyema Reformist Movement (FORM) and member of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), proposes two essential, interconnected transformations: raising the standard of leadership and fundamentally reorienting the mindset and expectations of the Nigerian people.

The essay introduces the concept of the “Reformist Class”—a deliberate effort to identify and elevate leaders outside the conventional political elite, selected on the basis of proven competence, ethical responsibility, institutional understanding, and a clear track record of results.

However, the author insists that leadership reform alone is insufficient without corresponding change among citizens. Nigerians must move beyond emotional loyalty or tribal sentiment and begin demanding concrete, practical plans, judging leaders by measurable outcomes, and accepting that genuine nation-building requires discipline, sacrifice, and long-term commitment.

“This work is not tied to any election cycle,” the Onyema says. “It is a reference text intended to guide civic judgment, political debate, and leadership standards over time.”

The essay is written as a single, continuous piece-thoughtful, serious, and reflective-serving both as a practical guide to leadership reform and a manifesto for civic awakening. It is presented as essential reading for Nigerians, students of political science, policymakers, and anyone interested in how ideas, people, and institutions collectively determine the destiny of a nation.

Onyema concludes that only when both leaders and citizens embrace higher standards of responsibility and accountability can Nigeria’s political system begin to truly serve its people and unlock the country’s vast potential.

The full essay is available through the author’s platforms and the Francis Onyema Reformist Movement channels.