Former presidential candidate for the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, has emphasized the urgent need to transcend antiquated practices of tribalism, religious favoritism, and the entrenched “my turn” mentality.
He believes that this shift is essential for cultivating a society that prioritizes competence, capability, integrity, innovative viewpoints, and progressive leadership.
Obi’s remarks follow the election of Nigerian-born Kemi Badenoch as the leader of the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom. He expressed that this development comes at a crucial time when many Nigerians are beginning to lose faith in their own potential.
In a statement shared on his X account on Sunday, the former governor of Anambra State encouraged Nigerians to view this news as a motivating force for transformation within the nation’s political framework.
He stated, “The announcement of Nigerian-born Kemi Badenoch’s ascension as the leader of the Conservative Party in the UK is particularly timely, given the current circumstances in our country that are causing many to question their capabilities.”
Obi described Badenoch’s election as a significant affirmation of the global potential possessed by Nigerian and African youth. He noted, “Her achievement exemplifies the power of diversity and illustrates what can be accomplished when we emphasize competence, capability, integrity, and inclusivity.”
He further remarked that this milestone serves as both an inspiration and a clarion call, shedding light on the leadership conundrum in Nigeria. He pointed out that younger leaders with demonstrable skills and integrity often find themselves overlooked in favor of older individuals who may lack the same passion and qualifications.
“As we celebrate Kemi’s remarkable success, let us harness this moment as a catalyst for change in our leadership dynamics. It is essential to move beyond outdated traditions of tribalism, religious bias, and the ‘my turn’ syndrome, and instead, foster an environment that champions competence, capacity, integrity, fresh insights, and innovative leadership.”
Obi concluded with a hopeful message, stating that embracing a new generation of leaders could pave the way for a brighter future for Nigeria and the African continent as a whole.
