Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has voiced his belief that Nigeria would be in a better position today had Peter Obi, the Labour Party candidate in the 2023 presidential election, emerged victorious. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Abaribe sharply criticised the current administration’s alleged nepotism and highlighted how an Obi presidency might have fostered a more inclusive and equitable governance style.
Criticism of Nepotism
Abaribe pointed to perceived favoritism in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly the appointment of multiple ministers from Ogun State, while many states have just one representative. He described this as a continuation of nepotism that began under former President Muhammadu Buhari but has become even more pronounced under Tinubu.
“Buhari towed the path of nepotism, but it deepened under President Tinubu because Buhari did it and nobody said much except him,” Abaribe remarked. He suggested that Peter Obi’s leadership would have been more inclusive, stating, “He would not be as nepotistic as this government… It’s not in him.”
A Call for South-East Self-Development
Abaribe also urged the South-East to focus on self-reliance and regional development. Highlighting historical neglect by past federal administrations, he called for efforts to revitalize the region and make it more livable and cohesive.
“Let us go back to the South-East and revamp it, make it more livable, better, and more cohesive, and hold ourselves together,” he said.
According to Abaribe, only former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan have shown equitable treatment toward the South-East, underscoring the need for the region to take its development into its own hands rather than relying on federal leadership for fairness.
Reflection on the Current State
Abaribe’s comments reflect growing frustration among opposition figures regarding governance under Tinubu. His sentiments echo the broader discontent among many Nigerians who feel the administration has yet to meet their expectations for equity and national unity.
As debates over leadership styles and regional inclusivity continue, Abaribe’s call for South-East self-development may resonate with those advocating for decentralized progress amid perceived federal neglect.
