Business magnate and political strategist, Prince Tonye Princewill, has cautioned that Africa’s development will remain stunted unless political leadership across the continent is redefined as a call to service rather than a power struggle.
Princewill gave the warning while chairing the opening session of the maiden International Conference on Advancing Politics and Governance for Sustainable Development organised by the Centre for Politics, University of Port Harcourt.
The conference, held on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, drew participants from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Speaking on the theme, “Politics, Resource Governance and Sustainable Development in Africa,” Princewill emphasised that the culture of transactional politics was eroding Africa’s capacity for genuine progress.
“When politics is reduced to competition for power rather than a platform for service, progress falters,” he said.
“When governance becomes transactional instead of transformational, development becomes a mirage.
“But when politics is guided by vision and verifiable impact, and when governance is rooted in transparency, inclusion, and accountability, nations rise.”
Princewill urged African leaders and institutions to restore integrity in governance by promoting policies that prioritise citizens’ welfare over personal or partisan interests.
Also addressing the conference, Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, lamented the persistent decline in voter turnout across African elections despite escalating political spending.
“You find striking evidence of this in the continued decline of voters’ turnout over successive elections, despite the rising cost of political mobilisation,” Otti observed.
He called on African governments to rebuild public trust through accountability, openness, and meaningful engagement with citizens.
Furthermore, in his welcome address, the Director of the Centre for Politics, Professor Fidelis Allen, highlighted that Africa’s sustainable future depends on the prudent management of its abundant resources.
He stressed that strong political will and inclusive governance remain the continent’s best hope for achieving lasting development.
Meanwhile, the conference continued with panel discussions and research presentations aimed at exploring new governance models for Africa’s political and economic transformation.