By Onyeanya Ebere
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to move beyond ethnic and religious sentiments in selecting leaders, stressing the importance of competence, capacity, character, and compassion.
In a statement posted Monday on X (formerly Twitter) titled “What Cannot Be Hidden in Leadership,” Obi said the results of leadership are always evident, whether in success or failure.
“There are critical areas of leadership that must exist for a nation to move forward; competence, capacity, character, and compassion. Without these, no magic can save us,” he said.
Obi reiterated that the country has suffered due to leadership choices driven by tribe and religion.
“We must stop voting based on tribal or religious lines and start choosing leaders with the right values,” he added.
He explained that competence is key to tackling complex national challenges, while capacity ensures the strength to lead effectively.
Character, he said, fosters public trust, and compassion ensures that leaders treat human lives with dignity.
Citing recent tragedies, Obi condemned the federal government’s silence and absence during national disasters.
“In Niger State, flooding claimed nearly 200 lives, yet there was no presidential visit. In Benue, over 200 people, including children and soldiers, were massacred again, no show of empathy,” he said.
He contrasted Nigeria’s leadership response with global examples, noting that leaders in India and South Africa have shown up personally at disaster sites to mourn with victims and take responsibility.
“That is leadership with compassion,” he said. “What we have normalised in Nigeria is leadership without empathy, accountability, or a human face.”
Obi concluded that Nigeria doesn’t just need another president but a true leader. “Until we elect leaders based on competence, capacity, character, and compassion, the cycle of pain will persist,” he said.
