Former presidential aspirant Kingsley Moghalu has said his decision to step away from Nigerian politics remains the best choice he has ever made, citing personal fulfilment, family priorities, and deep concerns about the country’s political system.
Moghalu made the remarks in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, reflecting on his brief involvement in partisan politics and his return to international professional and academic work.
According to him, he left his academic position in 2018 to contest the 2019 presidential election after persistent calls that “Nigeria needs you.” He eventually ran under the Young Progressive Party in the 2019 election.
He disclosed that he attempted to return to the race ahead of the 2023 elections but later withdrew, alleging betrayal by political operatives on what he described as an alternative political platform.
“I decided it wasn’t worth the bother for someone who does not need the Nigerian ‘system’ to feed, and whose contributions are demanded and appreciated well elsewhere,” Moghalu wrote.
“So I ended my brief foray into politics and returned to international professional life. Best decision I ever made. Life since has been quiet, happy, and fulfilling.”
Moghalu said his political ambitions came at a high personal cost, including loss of time, strain on his health, pressure on family resources, and foregone earnings from his professional career.
He stated that he is no longer aligned with, or a member of, any political party, although he continues to offer non-partisan commentary on public policy and economic issues.
Responding to repeated calls urging him to return to active politics, Moghalu said national change cannot depend on one individual.
“It needs you too, and ALL of us, not just me,” he said.
He argued that meaningful transformation in Nigeria would only occur if citizens collectively demand accountable leadership, transparent governance, and credible electoral processes. He noted that people in other countries have successfully altered their national trajectories through sustained civic action, adding that Nigeria should not be an exception.
Moghalu warned that without such collective responsibility, the country risks a gradual decline comparable to the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Moghalu previously served as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria between 2009 and 2014. Before joining the apex bank, he worked at the United Nations, including roles at the UN Secretariat in New York.
He later became a professor of practice in international business and public policy at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in the United States.
Following his withdrawal from partisan politics, Moghalu returned fully to academic work and international engagements.
