Nigeria’s ever-evolving political landscape is not only shaped by elections but also by the quality of governance delivered by elected leaders across party lines. With an increasing number of politicians switching parties, tracking performance based solely on political affiliation has become more complex. However, this review takes a closer look at the governance styles of selected governors from both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other political platforms, highlighting their contributions and ongoing projects.
Following the APC’s eight-year rule under former President Muhammadu Buhari, a period often criticized for insecurity, excessive borrowing, and regional favoritism, the transition to President Bola Tinubu’s administration has been met with mixed reactions. While many Nigerians express frustration over the state of the economy and governance, some political elites continue to jostle for relevance and appointments, shifting focus away from policy and development.
Despite the drama on the national stage, several state governors have made strides in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development. Their performances reflect varied levels of commitment to growth and service delivery, regardless of party affiliation.
In Plateau State, Governor Caleb Muftwang has emerged as a people-centered leader, despite grappling with security concerns. He has initiated major sanitation projects in Jos, revived the long-abandoned metro rail station, and commenced an N8 billion revamp of the Hill Station Resort. His administration has also allocated N30 billion for the rehabilitation of the Langtang Dam to combat water scarcity, constructed 25 primary healthcare centers across 17 LGAs, and cleared 9,000 hectares of land for agriculture. Muftwang is also constructing a hydroelectric power plant projected to generate over 300 megawatts, while establishing a secondary school board to reform the education sector.
In Adamawa State, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri is transforming infrastructure with an ultra-modern market modeled after Dubai’s commercial centers. He has expanded road networks, upgraded drainage systems, and constructed 21 model schools worth N14 billion. He has also built three mega science schools and extended potable water access to over 5,000 households.
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Abia State Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party has garnered widespread acclaim for his unprecedented transformation of Aba and Umuahia. His administration has completed over 140 road projects, modernized drainage systems, installed solar-powered street lights, and brought an overdue facelift to the commercial capital of the state, an achievement many say outpaces the performance of past administrations.
From the APC fold, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum is often cited as one of the party’s most impactful leaders. Within his first 100 days, he executed 120 projects. His government commissioned six new projects across two LGAs in October 2025, built a 60-classroom college to reform the Tsangaya education system, and established ICT centers and Islamic colleges in all 27 LGAs. Zulum also spearheaded the reconstruction of 100 roads in Azare and launched a dual carriageway and bridge project in Maiduguri. According to Tribune, the administration is investing over N13.6 billion in road and water infrastructure.
In Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has prioritized infrastructure and urban mobility. His administration continues to improve road networks and has made significant upgrades to the public transport system. The establishment of a syringe factory adds to the healthcare advancements, while extensive school rehabilitation projects reflect his administration’s education drive. Security has also improved, thanks to initiatives like the Lagos Security Trust Fund and support from the Lagos State Property Development Corporation.
Katsina State Governor Umar Dikko Radda is digitizing land administration through the Katsina Geographic Information System (KATGIS) project. His government has enhanced campus security, launched a wind farm project, and awarded a road contract worth N6.9 billion. He also subsidized the sale of 20,000 tons of fertilizer and provided N2.5 billion in humanitarian support to women and youths under the Katsina CARES initiative, assisting over 6,000 farmers.
In Kogi State, Governor Usman Ododo is investing heavily in human development. His administration has launched micro-beneficiary programs for over 200,000 individuals, while initiating major infrastructure projects at Kogi University. Agricultural initiatives are being rolled out to drive economic growth through agro-industrial development.
While this review touches on a random selection of governors, it offers a glimpse into the current state of governance in Nigeria. It is important to note that some governors have had longer tenures than others, which may reflect in the scale of their accomplishments.
A more data-driven and comprehensive evaluation would be required to accurately compare APC and non-APC leadership at the state level.
Nonetheless, the projects highlighted in this appraisal reveal that effective governance is not necessarily tied to party lines, but to the vision and commitment of individual leaders, as Nigeria political parties serve as mere vehicles to get political positions and not necessarily with ideology.
