Peter Obi Urges Nigerians to Prioritize Competence Over Tribe, Warns of Consequences of Flawed Leadership

Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, has delivered a compelling message to Nigerians still yearning for a more functional and equitable nation. Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, Obi made a strong appeal against the age-old practice of voting based on tribal or religious sentiments, emphasizing instead the need for competence, character, and genuine leadership.

At the heart of his message lies a deep concern for the trajectory of the country—a nation grappling with socio-economic instability, insecurity, and systemic failures. Obi, who previously governed Anambra State, argued that Nigeria’s persistent challenges stem not from a lack of resources but from leadership that lacks the essential qualities to govern effectively.

Leadership, he wrote, cannot hide its outcomes—either it is succeeding or it is failing. According to him, Nigeria’s current state makes it evident which of those two paths the country is on. He explained that there are four indispensable elements every leader must possess if real progress is to be achieved: Competence, Capacity, Character, and Compassion.

Rather than dwelling on political clichés or offering vague promises, Obi laid bare the urgent need for a leadership overhaul grounded in merit. He expressed dismay over the pattern of electoral choices being shaped more by ethnic affiliations than by proven ability, and he called on citizens to take a more discerning and future-focused approach to choosing leaders.

"Leadership of a nation is such that it’s either succeeding or failing, none can be hidden," his post began. "There are critical areas of leadership that must exist for a nation to move forward, and these are summed up in four Cs: Competence, Capacity, Character and Compassion."

The absence of these qualities, he argued, cannot be compensated for by political tricks or slogans. "Where these four are non-existent, there is no magic you can do," he warned.

Reflecting on the nation’s declining living standards and increasing public disillusionment, Obi made it clear that without a deliberate pivot towards value-driven leadership, the situation would not improve. He stressed the need for leaders who understand Nigeria’s challenges intimately—those who possess not only the theoretical knowledge but also the practical experience and resilience to tackle them.

He elaborated: “Competence because Nigeria today needs a leader who understands the issues, who has the knowledge, experience, and clear ideas to solve them. Capacity because it is not a ceremonial position; it requires strength, stamina, and the mental energy to confront our complex challenges.”

Leadership, Obi continued, should not be about personal aggrandizement but public trust and service. Without integrity, he argued, public trust collapses, and with it comes the flourishing of corruption and selfish governance. He insisted that no amount of infrastructure development or economic planning can replace the foundation of character and integrity.

“But perhaps most importantly,” he added, “we need compassion, because when a leader lacks compassion, human lives are treated as statistics, and suffering is ignored.”

This appeal comes at a time when Nigeria is seeing growing political consciousness among its youth, who are increasingly vocal about governance and national development. Many are demanding a departure from the status quo and yearning for transformative leadership—qualities Obi insists must be non-negotiable in anyone seeking public office.

Obi’s call also resonates with the broader discourse around nation-building and civic responsibility. By shifting the focus to the merit of individuals rather than their ethnic or religious background, he is challenging citizens to take ownership of their political choices and the consequences that follow.

To many political observers, this is not just a statement but a roadmap—one that calls for a national reawakening rooted in principle, not patronage. Whether or not Nigerians heed this message remains to be seen, but the former governor has made it clear: the future of Nigeria depends on the choices its people make today.

Ultimately, Obi’s message serves as both a warning and a guidepost. The current state of affairs, he suggests, is a direct outcome of collective choices—and if Nigerians truly want a better nation, they must begin by electing leaders who embody competence, capacity, character, and compassion, rather than clinging to outdated loyalties that have failed to deliver results.