Analyzing Nigeria’s leadership enigma: The relevance of George Graen and Fred Danserean’s vertical Dyad Linkage Model

Abstract

The blame of the endemic backwardness and underdevelopment of Africa has long been laid on its asymmetric politico-economic relations with the capitalist western world. However, presently, there is a growing realization that no single factor has actually impacted negatively on the development of African states and Nigeria especially, like leadership. Thus, in line with the mindset of Chinua Achebe, the problem with Nigeria appears to be simply and squarely a failure of leadership. Today, every Nigerian, including our leaders is aware that leadership is a cardinal problem for the country, yet little or no improvement is reckoned in this regard. One therefore suspects a lacuna in the conceptualization and understanding of the Nigerian leadership factor, especially on the part of our leaders. It is in the light of this that this paper undertook an analysis of the Nigerian leadership crisis, using the vertical dyad linkage model of leadership as a theoretical base. It was clearly stressed that a constructive application of this style of leadership by our leaders could save the country from its present leadership and development enigma. The use of political gangs, godfatherism and ethno-religious politics were revealed as aspects of seeming negative manifestation of this leadership model in this country. The paper finally recommended the introduction of an orientation programme on leadership, national unity and nation building in the election process, for intending contestants for all leadership positions in the country.