LEADERSHIP STYLES AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA; A COMPARISON OF PRESIDENTS GOODLUCK JONATHAN AND PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI’S ADMINISTRATIONS

This study examined the leadership styles of Presidents Goodluck Jonathan (2010–2015) and Muhammadu Buhari (2015–2023) and their implications for national development in Nigeria. Leadership has remained a central factor shaping Nigeria’s political and developmental trajectory, and the contrasting approaches of these two administrations provide a valuable basis for comparative analysis. The study adopted a qualitative research design, combining primary data from oral interviews with political analysts, civil servants, lecturers, and undergraduate students with secondary data drawn from newspapers, academic journals, policy documents, government publications, and international development reports. Four research questions guided the investigation, focusing on the leadership styles of both presidents, their developmental achievements and shortcomings, the impact of their governance orientations on national development, and strategies for improving leadership effectiveness. Data were analyzed thematically and discussed in relation to transformational and transactional leadership theories. The findings revealed that Jonathan’s leadership style was largely democratic and transformational, marked by consultation, inclusiveness, and policy innovation in sectors such as agriculture, ICT, and education. However, his administration struggled with weak institutional enforcement, corruption, and insecurity. Buhari’s leadership, by contrast, was hierarchical and transactional, emphasizing centralized control, fiscal discipline, anti-corruption measures, and infrastructure expansion. While this approach strengthened institutional control and produced infrastructural gains, it lacked flexibility and inclusiveness, contributing to economic challenges and governance gaps. The study concludes that neither leadership style alone is sufficient for sustainable national development. It recommends a hybrid approach that combines visionary, participatory leadership with firm institutional enforcement, policy continuity, and evidence-based decision-making. Strengthening governance institutions, promoting inclusive policymaking, and prioritizing transparency and accountability are essential for achieving long-term development in Nigeria.