Nigeria, Sept. 12 -- The future of Nigeria has always been a subject of debate. Throughout our history, the conversation has always centred on great leadership, the economy, and the kind of country we want Nigeria to become. The kind of tension that comes with this debate is not new in our history. It is because the hopes and worries of many Nigerians are inseparable from the fate of the country.

But this debate, over the years, bears evidence that Nigerians want a country that works for everyone. Yet, I have watched with growing concern how hard it is to separate sentiments from substance, especially now that we're in an election cycle.

And part of the sadness is that arguments advanced by political actors too often become the headline...