Senator Abaribe Criticizes Tinubu’s Nepotism, Says Peter Obi Would Have Transformed Nigeria Better If He Had Won 2023 Election

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who represents Abia South in the Nigerian Senate, has voiced his belief that Nigeria would have been a better place for all citizens had Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s candidate in the 2023 presidential election, emerged victorious. Abaribe, in a recent appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, strongly argued that under Obi’s leadership, Nigeria would have experienced a fairer and more inclusive government, one that would not have been marred by the level of nepotism observed under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The lawmaker was particularly critical of what he described as the pervasive favoritism under the current government, especially in relation to Tinubu’s ministerial appointments. Abaribe specifically pointed to the president’s decision to appoint four ministers from Ogun State—an action that, in his view, disproportionally benefited one state at the expense of others. Many states, he pointed out, were represented by only one minister, raising concerns about equitable representation and fairness in the distribution of key government positions.

Abaribe’s concerns also extended to the broader issue of nepotism in Nigerian politics. While he acknowledged that former President Muhammadu Buhari had faced similar accusations of favoritism, the senator contended that the situation has worsened under President Tinubu. According to Abaribe, Buhari’s nepotistic tendencies were largely overlooked or tolerated by many, with his actions facing minimal resistance, except from a few critics, including himself. However, Abaribe believes that the level of nepotism in the current administration surpasses what was seen during Buhari’s tenure.

In addition to his criticism of the president’s appointment practices, Abaribe emphasized the importance of self-reliance for the people of the South-East region. He stated that, instead of waiting for presidents to ensure fairness or take actions that benefit the region, it is crucial for the people of the South-East to take matters into their own hands. Abaribe called for greater efforts to improve the region’s infrastructure, foster unity, and create more livable environments for its people. He pointed out that, aside from former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, no other leader has truly prioritized the interests of the South-East, and it is no longer practical for the people to rely on presidential promises of fairness.

In his remarks, Abaribe said, “If Peter Obi had won, you probably would have seen a better Nigeria than what we are seeing today. 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.” The senator’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among some Nigerians who feel that the current government has not done enough to bridge divides and foster national unity, particularly in terms of how resources and positions are distributed across the country.

Abaribe’s statements underscore the ongoing debate in Nigerian politics regarding the need for more inclusive leadership and fair distribution of resources, especially for marginalized regions like the South-East. As Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of governance, fairness, and national cohesion, the senator’s remarks contribute to the larger conversation about how leadership choices impact the country’s development and unity.