Kingsley Moghalu, a former Nigerian presidential candidate and political economist, has declared his exit from partisan politics as one of the best decisions of his life. In a newly released public statement on Tuesday, reflecting on his political journey, the former academic noted that his life has become exceptionally quiet, happy, and fulfilling since he abandoned the political arena to return to his international professional career.
Okay News reports that Moghalu first entered the Nigerian political landscape after leaving his academic position in 2018 to contest the 2019 presidential election. He attempted a second run ahead of the 2023 general elections but revealed that his efforts were ultimately derailed by what he described as “self-serving, cash-and-carry political entrepreneurs” within an alternative political platform.
Following that frustrating experience, he officially withdrew from all partisan alignments to prioritize his health, family, and professional integrity.
Addressing supporters who continuously urge him to return to active politics, Moghalu emphasized that the monumental task of transforming Africa’s most populous nation cannot rest solely on the shoulders of one individual. He clarified that while he maintains a deep love for Nigeria and continues to offer expert commentary on public and economic policy, he is definitively no longer affiliated with any political party and has no intention of seeking elected office again.
Instead of waiting for a political savior, the former presidential hopeful challenged Nigerian citizens to take collective responsibility for demanding accountable leadership and a transparent democracy.
Moghalu argued that systemic governance failures persist largely because citizens have consciously disempowered themselves, often using poverty and economic hardship as excuses rather than catalysts for civic action. He warned that without broad, citizen-led engagement to demand reform, Nigeria risks falling into a deeper socio-economic decline.
