As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general election, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged citizens to cast their votes guided by personal conviction rather than ethnic or regional loyalties.
Atiku, a senior figure within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), condemned tribalism as a major obstacle to national development-a destructive force that must be rejected by everyone, especially ordinary Nigerians.
In a message conveyed through his media advisor, Kola Johnson, the presidential aspirant highlighted that the political elite bear the greatest responsibility for perpetuating tribal divisions. He accused them of exploiting ethnic differences as a strategy to pit communities against one another, instead of fostering unity within the nation.
He explained that these divisive tactics are primarily designed to serve political ambitions, encouraging voters to reject candidates solely based on their ethnic background rather than evaluating their capabilities and achievements.
“Your primary consideration should be the candidate’s competence and track record, not the tribe or ethnic group they belong to,” Atiku emphasized.
“As we approach this election, I earnestly appeal to all Nigerians to vote with integrity and resist any attempts to manipulate you into rejecting a candidate simply because they are Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, or from any other ethnic group.”
“Even within our own communities, let us nurture relationships founded on brotherhood and sisterhood, united by our shared identity as Nigerians rather than divided by tribal lines.
“If I had allowed tribal considerations to dictate my personal life, I would never have married my Yoruba wife back in the 1970s-someone who has since become an invaluable treasure in my life,” he added.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s political history, Atiku pointed to the First Republic as a high point, noting that politicians of that era generally exhibited greater integrity and accomplishments compared to those in the Second Republic and the current democratic period.
“Regrettably, the destructive influence of tribalism, which was prevalent during that time, ultimately undermined the progress of the First Republic, bringing it to an abrupt end from which the nation has yet to fully recover,” he observed.
“This serves as a stark reminder of the profound damage tribalism inflicts-a menace we must all strive to eradicate.”
“Let us come together as one united family, embracing peace, harmony, and mutual respect, to build the Nigeria envisioned by our founding fathers,” Atiku concluded.
