Enyinnaya Abaribe, the senator representing Abia South, has expressed confidence that Nigeria would be in a stronger position today if Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, had emerged victorious in the 2023 election.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Abaribe criticized the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu, accusing it of nepotism and a lack of inclusivity. He suggested that Obi’s leadership would have steered the country in a more equitable direction.
“If Peter Obi had won, you probably would have seen a better Nigeria than what we are seeing today,” Abaribe stated. “He would not be as nepotistic as this government. It’s not in his character. We are a people who care for others.”
Abaribe pointed to Tinubu’s controversial decision to appoint four ministers from Ogun State as an example of what he described as nepotistic governance. He argued that such practices erode national unity and hinder efforts to promote inclusiveness across Nigeria.
The senator also urged the South-East to focus on self-reliance and regional development rather than waiting for equitable treatment from the federal government. “We must take charge of our own progress rather than expecting fairness from leadership that does not prioritize inclusivity,” he said.
Abaribe’s remarks have sparked discussions on the importance of equitable governance and the role of regional self-determination in Nigeria’s development.