Voting Based on Tribe and Religion is Holding Nigeria Back, Peter Obi Says, Calling for Competence-Driven Leadership Choices

 

The persistent issues of poverty, hunger, and underdevelopment in Nigeria can only be addressed through a radical change in the way the country chooses its leaders, according to Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and the 2023 presidential candidate under the Labour Party.

Obi made this passionate call through a post on his official X handle, where he expressed deep concern about the prevailing political culture that prioritizes ethnicity and religion over competence and integrity. He argued that this pattern of voting has led Nigeria into a cycle of failed leadership, misgovernance, and economic stagnation.

According to him, the obsession with tribal affiliations and religious identities during elections has continued to fuel division and stagnation, resulting in a country where basic infrastructure is crumbling, poverty is rampant, and opportunities for growth are rapidly vanishing. Obi believes this outdated system must be replaced with a merit-based structure that emphasizes proven character, capacity, and compassion in leadership.

The former governor did not mince words as he called for a total overhaul of what he described as a "retrogressive system." For Nigeria to move forward, he emphasized, citizens must reject the old ways of choosing leaders and begin to prioritize competence and accountability above all else.

"Our country is not lacking in human or material resources. What we lack is effective leadership," Obi declared. "We need a new political consciousness that shifts away from sentiments and moves toward sound judgment and responsibility."

His statement reflects a growing frustration among Nigerians who are weary of economic hardship and political instability. Many analysts agree that the current climate of rising inflation, insecurity, and youth unemployment is largely the result of decades of poor leadership choices, often shaped by ethnic loyalties rather than national interest.

Obi’s message was both a call to action and a reflection on the cost of repeated errors at the polls. According to him, the ongoing economic challenges facing the country will persist unless citizens decide to break away from parochial voting habits.

"We must dismantle the system of criminality. We have voted based on tribe and religion for too long," Obi wrote. "It is time to vote for competence. Let us move from waste, looting, and reckless borrowing to production. Let us build a Nigeria that works."

This message carries particular weight in a nation where politics is often entangled with ethnic sentiments and religious divides. Observers say that Obi's stance could help ignite a broader conversation on electoral reform and civic responsibility, especially among the youth who represent a significant portion of the voting population.

By focusing on competence and character as key criteria for leadership, Obi hopes to awaken a new wave of political engagement that emphasizes solutions over symbolism. He argued that only a leadership rooted in empathy and practical problem-solving can reverse the nation's downward trajectory.

His remarks have also reignited debates on social media, with many users echoing his sentiments and urging fellow Nigerians to reflect deeply before the next election cycle. Some praised him for speaking truth to power, while others challenged political actors across party lines to embrace reform and transparency.

Obi’s call for a disruptive transformation of Nigeria’s political culture is not just rhetorical; it aligns with his political track record. During his tenure as Governor of Anambra State, he was widely praised for prudent financial management, investments in education, and efforts to boost local productivity.

This history lends credibility to his advocacy, as he speaks not only from ideology but from experience. As the country grapples with worsening socio-economic conditions, voices like Obi’s are increasingly resonating with citizens who yearn for meaningful change.

With another election season on the horizon, his message could become a rallying cry for reform-minded Nigerians who are determined to break the chains of political complacency and tribal loyalty.

The future of Nigeria, as Obi suggests, depends not just on who runs for office but on how voters decide. It is a decision, he insists, that must now be guided by wisdom, vision, and a genuine desire for national progress.