Kingsley Moghalu, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and 2019 presidential candidate, has described his exit from active partisan politics as the “best decision” he ever made. In a candid reflection shared this week, the global economist cited personal fulfillment, a renewed focus on family, and a deep-seated disillusionment with the structural flaws of the Nigerian political system as the primary drivers behind his departure.
Moghalu, who stepped away from the political fray after his bid for the 2023 presidency was cut short during the primary season, noted that life outside the “toxic” arena of Nigerian elections has allowed him to contribute more effectively through international policy and mentorship. “The best choice I have ever made was to quit Nigerian politics,” he stated, adding that the move preserved his peace of mind and allowed him to prioritize his “sanity and family” over a system he views as resistant to merit-based leadership.
His comments resonate with many in the Nigerian diaspora who viewed his 2019 “To Build a Nation” (TBAN) movement as a sophisticated alternative to the traditional two-party establishment. Moghalu emphasized that while he remains committed to Nigeria’s development, he no longer believes that seeking elective office is the only, or even the most effective, way to drive systemic change in the current environment.
Since his exit, Moghalu has returned to high-level global roles, including his work as a professor of practice at Tufts University and his leadership of the Institute for Governance and Economic Transformation (IGET). He argued that the “money-bag” nature of Nigerian politics and the tribalization of merit make it nearly impossible for technocrats to compete without compromising their core values.
Moghalu’s “best decision” serves as a poignant commentary on the state of the nation’s democracy. His departure underscores a troubling trend where some of the country’s most intellectually equipped minds are choosing to exert their influence from the sidelines or abroad, rather than navigating the murky waters of the domestic political machine.
