In an interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” aired on Monday, November 25, 2024, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe from Abia South expressed his belief that Nigeria would have been in a better state had Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, won the contest.
Senator Abaribe, known for his outspoken views, stated, “If Peter Obi had won, you probably would have seen a better Nigeria than what we are seeing today.” He elaborated by critiquing the current administration under President Bola Tinubu, accusing it of perpetuating nepotism which, he argued, would have been absent under Obi’s leadership.
“Number one, he would not be as nepotistic as this government, he won’t, it’s not in him. That is just who we are, we feel for the other people,” Abaribe said during the interview.
He specifically highlighted President Tinubu’s appointment of four ministers from Ogun State, contrasting this with other states having fewer representatives, to underline his point about nepotism. Abaribe’s comments come at a time when political discourse in Nigeria often revolves around issues of fairness, inclusivity, and regional representation.
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The senator also drew comparisons with past administrations, suggesting that only former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan have shown fairness to the South-East region. He urged the South-East to focus on self-improvement rather than waiting for equitable treatment from the presidency, stating, “Rather than waiting for presidents to be fair to the people of the South-East, it is high time people of the zone went back to revamp it, make it more livable, better, and more cohesive.”
Abaribe also touched on the arrest of Simon Ekpa, the self-acclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra in exile, in Finland, which he described as a positive step that could help reduce violence in the South-East. He connected this event to broader political dynamics, suggesting that the release of Nnamdi Kanu could further quell regional unrest.
The interview has sparked a range of reactions on social media and among political analysts, with many echoing Abaribe’s sentiments about the potential for a different leadership style under Obi. However, there are also voices cautioning against hypothetical scenarios, focusing instead on the need for current leaders to address ongoing national issues.
