Lumumba: Africa Suffers from Electing Its Worst—A Call for Leadership Reform & Political Hygiene!

Professor Patrick Lumumba didn’t hold back in his powerful critique of African leadership. Speaking at *The Platform* event in Lagos, he declared that Africa suffers because it elects its worst to lead—a condition he described as *kakistocracy*, or government by the least qualified.

🗣️ Key Highlights from Lumumba’s Speech
- “When you elect a clown thinking he’ll be a king, he turns the kingdom into a circus.”
Lumumba used this Turkish proverb to illustrate how poor leadership choices derail national progress.

- Hyenas guarding goats?
He warned that entrusting leadership to corrupt individuals inevitably leads to exploitation: *“Why be surprised when the goats are eaten?”*

- Democracy vs. Kakistocracy
Lumumba argued that many African nations lack true democracy and instead suffer under kakistocracy—where the worst govern the rest.

- Followers must choose wisely
He emphasized that citizens play a critical role: *“Africans are somehow attracted to thieves… then act surprised when they behave like thieves.”*

- Call to action
Africa can only realize its potential when it consciously elects its best men and women to serve in leadership roles.