Umar Ardo, former Special Assistant on Local Government and State Affairs to ex–Vice President Atiku Abubakar, says Nigeria’s former Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and the Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, died poor because they devoted their lives and resources to developing their communities rather than enriching themselves.

Ardo contrasted their selfless leadership with the conduct of many contemporary politicians, who he said use public office as a pathway to personal wealth.

According to him, while the North continues to hold political power, the South dominates the economic and bureaucratic sectors—areas that ultimately determine national prosperity.

He said:
“Sardauna, Tafawa Balewa and the rest died poor. They were poorer than their communities because they were building their communities to be wealthy. But today’s politicians are the opposite. From national to state level, many of them are wealthier than their communities. As they get richer, their people get poorer.”

Ardo noted that many officeholders entered politics with little or no assets, yet amassed vast fortunes within a few years in government.

“The people elected into office were living in rented houses at the time of their election. Today, they own estates. Some had never travelled to Kano or Lagos, now they fly around the world—taking people to Jerusalem and Mecca,” he said.

He added that while some had only a few houses before assuming office, they now own private jets, build universities, and exhibit what he described as “obscene wealth,” even as their communities sink from poverty into destitution.

Ardo stressed that many of those he was referring to are from the North, lamenting that leaders who should lift their communities out of hardship have instead contributed to worsening conditions.