Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has called on Nigerians to rise above ethnic and religious biases when choosing leaders, stressing the importance of selecting individuals based on competence, capacity, character, and compassion.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), titled “What Cannot Be Hidden in Leadership,” Obi emphasized that the true measure of leadership is always visible whether in success or failure.
“No nation can progress without leadership rooted in competence, capacity, character, and compassion. Where these are absent, there is no miracle that can change the outcome,” he said.
Obi criticized the ongoing trend in Nigeria of choosing leaders based on tribal or religious affiliations, warning that such patterns have led to national decline and suffering.
“We must vote for people with these four Cs. We’ve all seen the devastating effects of leadership without them,” he stated.
Citing recent national tragedies, Obi lamented the deaths of nearly 200 people in Niger State due to flooding and the killing of over 200 in Benue, while pointing out the federal government’s lack of visible response or presidential presence.
He contrasted this with global examples where leaders demonstrated empathy in times of crisis.
“When tragedy struck in India and South Africa, their presidents were on the ground. That’s leadership with compassion.”
Obi denounced what he described as the growing acceptance of leadership devoid of empathy and accountability in Nigeria.
He concluded with a strong call for transformational leadership.
“Nigeria doesn’t just need another president. It needs a true leader someone with competence, capacity, character, and compassion. Until we make leadership choices based on these principles, our cycle of pain will persist.”
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