Leadership and Governance Crisis in Nigeria: The Case of the #Endsars Protest

Joy Nwakaego Chigozie; Ebikedoumene Nelson Orusaibogha

doi:10.56201/jpaswr.v11.no2.2026.pg118.125

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Leadership and Governance Crisis in Nigeria: The Case of the #Endsars Protest

Joy Nwakaego Chigozie, Ebikedoumene Nelson Orusaibogha

Abstract

Leadership and governance are interconnected concepts that strongly determine the pace and quality of sustainable development in any society. In Nigeria, the debate on leadership and national progress remains urgent, as governance outcomes directly shape citizens’ opportunities and welfare. For decades, the country has contended with multiple political, social, and economic challenges, largely driven by a lack of visionary and accountable leadership. These persistent gaps have deepened frustration among citizens, culminating in periodic unrest and civic protests. A major example was the #EndSARS protest of 2020, which brought to the fore widespread anger against police brutality, systemic corruption, and governance failures. This study critically revisits the dynamics of leadership and governance in Nigeria, using the #EndSARS protest as a case study. Drawing on secondary sources such as scholarly works, media accounts, and documented reports, it highlights the leadership deficits and governance lapses that created conditions for the uprising. Findings reveal that the grievances expressed during the protests reflect structural governance failures, entrenched corruption, and a lack of responsive leadership. The paper concludes that reforms aimed at ensuring accountable leadership and transparent governance are not optional but necessary for peace, justice, and national development. Without these, Nigeria risks a recurring cycle of unrest, civic agitation, and declining trust in state institutions.

Keywords

LeadershipGovernanceNigeria#EndSARSDevelopmentProtest Movements.

References

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Leadership and Governance Crisis in Nigeria: The Case of the #Endsars Protest

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