Pastor Sam Adeyemi Criticizes Nigerian Leaders for Lack of Empathy and Disconnection from the Masses
In a powerful and thought-provoking interview aired on Channels Television on Thursday, May 22, Pastor Sam Adeyemi, the Senior Pastor of Daystar Christian Centre (DCC), expressed deep concern over the state of leadership in Nigeria. He lamented the increasing lack of empathy and compassion among Nigerian political leaders, warning that many of them are now more focused on retaining power than improving the lives of the people they were elected to serve.
According to Pastor Adeyemi, Nigerian leaders have grown so disconnected from the realities of everyday Nigerians—especially the poor—that they now struggle to lead effectively. He described a political system that promotes selfishness, encourages political cross-carpeting, and prioritizes survival over service.
A Leadership Crisis Rooted in Disconnection from the People
While discussing the current challenges facing Nigeria, Pastor Adeyemi highlighted what he believes is one of the most dangerous trends in Nigerian politics: the loss of empathy among the ruling class.
“Some of our leaders, it is even obvious from the way they speak, that they have lost touch with the reality of the poor, they have no empathy, no compassion,” he said.
This statement touches on a painful reality for millions of Nigerians. In a country where inflation continues to rise, unemployment remains high, and insecurity is widespread, many citizens feel abandoned by those in power. Pastor Adeyemi’s words resonate strongly with the frustrations of the average Nigerian who feels unseen and unheard by their leaders.
Why Nigerian Leaders Are Focused on Power, Not Progress
Pastor Adeyemi further explained that the obsession with power is part of what prevents Nigerian leaders from focusing on meaningful governance. Rather than prioritizing policies that would lift Nigerians out of poverty or reform the country's broken institutions, many politicians are primarily concerned with the next election.
“Some of them are being threatened that they would lose their next election, that is why they are defecting. So their own survival is being threatened,” he added.
This fear-driven approach to leadership has created a toxic political environment where decision-making is based on personal gain rather than the public good. Leaders jump from one political party to another in a bid to secure their political future—often with little regard for the ideologies or manifestos they are supposed to stand for.
Political Godfatherism: The Hidden Hands Behind Nigeria's Leadership
One of the most critical points Pastor Adeyemi raised was the role of political godfathers in shaping Nigeria's leadership landscape. He lamented that the electoral process is no longer truly democratic, as powerful individuals—often called political godfathers—determine who holds office, not the will of the people.
“I wish we had the perfect scenario that it is the citizens that actually elected people but we have seen over the years the power of the godfathers in our politics. They have built their influence over many years,” he said.
This culture of godfatherism has long plagued Nigerian politics. From local government levels to the presidency, many politicians owe their positions to powerful backers rather than to the people. This weakens democracy and creates a system where accountability is owed not to the electorate, but to a few powerful individuals.
How Political Compromise Breeds Corruption and Crookedness
Pastor Adeyemi didn’t stop at criticizing political godfathers. He also addressed the moral compromises many educated and intelligent Nigerians make to survive in the system. These compromises, he explained, often result in leaders who are deeply flawed and morally bankrupt by the time they reach the top.
“These are educated people, these are highly intelligent people, some of our best. It is just that in the process of wanting to succeed in this Nigeria, they bent here and bent there and by the time they arrive at the top that they wanted to go, they have become crooked,” he said.
This statement highlights a painful truth: the Nigerian political system is so corrupt and riddled with compromise that even the best and brightest often lose their values in the process. The journey to power becomes so tainted that, by the time these individuals emerge as leaders, they are no longer the people they once were. Their priorities shift, and they no longer see governance as a tool for positive change but as a means of self-enrichment and survival.
Why Pastor Sam Adeyemi’s Message Matters Now More Than Ever
Pastor Sam Adeyemi’s comments come at a time when Nigeria is facing numerous challenges on multiple fronts. From economic hardship and rising cost of living to insecurity and failing public institutions, the country needs transformational leadership more than ever before.
His voice stands out because he speaks not just as a religious leader, but as someone deeply concerned about the moral and spiritual health of the nation. Over the years, Pastor Adeyemi has become known not just for his sermons but for his advocacy for good governance, civic engagement, and ethical leadership.
In a country where many religious leaders avoid political topics for fear of backlash, Adeyemi’s boldness in speaking truth to power sets an example. He is calling for a new kind of leadership—one that is empathetic, compassionate, and truly connected to the needs of ordinary Nigerians.
The Way Forward: Reclaiming Leadership with Empathy and Integrity
As Nigeria prepares for future elections and possible reforms, Pastor Adeyemi’s message should serve as a wake-up call for both current leaders and aspiring politicians. The time has come to rebuild the Nigerian political system from the ground up—starting with values such as empathy, compassion, honesty, and service.
For this to happen, citizens must also rise to the occasion. It is not enough to criticize from the sidelines. Nigerians must engage in the democratic process, vote wisely, hold their leaders accountable, and demand better. Political godfatherism must be challenged, and the culture of switching parties for personal gain must be rejected.
Leaders must be reminded that power is a responsibility, not a privilege. Those who aspire to lead must be ready to serve—not just their party or their benefactors, but the millions of Nigerians whose lives depend on every decision made in government.
Conclusion: Nigeria Needs a New Kind of Leader
Pastor Sam Adeyemi’s powerful critique of the Nigerian leadership crisis is not just a condemnation—it’s a call to action. It is a call for Nigerian leaders to return to the values of empathy and compassion. It is a call for the electorate to reject corruption and godfatherism. And most importantly, it is a call to build a nation where leadership is defined by service, not survival.
Until that happens, Nigeria will continue to struggle under the weight of a broken political system. But with voices like Pastor Adeyemi’s leading the way, there is hope that a better future is possible—one where leadership is truly of the people, by the people, and for the people.
