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Former Secretary General of the Arewa Consultative Forum ACF, Anthony Sani, has taken aim at Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and segments of his support base, cautioning that leadership cannot be entrusted to those who consistently describe their country as a failure.
Speaking in a report published by ThisDay Live on Saturday, January 17, 2026, Sani argued that years of negative rhetoric about Nigeria weaken the nation’s image both locally and internationally, while eroding the confidence expected of prospective leaders.
The elder statesman expressed these views in a statement shared on his Facebook page, where he reflected on political messaging and campaign narratives ahead of future elections.
He maintained that anyone seeking national office must show faith in Nigeria’s possibilities and the ability to unite citizens across ethnic, regional, and religious lines.
Sani said political ambition carries a duty to speak responsibly about the country, warning that leaders who repeatedly depict Nigeria in bleak terms risk sending discouraging signals to both citizens and the global community.
Drawing from Nigeria’s democratic history, he noted that leaders who achieved widespread acceptance were those who offered criticism aimed at reform while still affirming confidence in the country’s future.
“The lesson from our democratic experience is clear,” he said. “Those who succeeded criticised in order to strengthen the country, not to weaken it. You cannot spend years talking down on Nigeria and suddenly expect to be handed power. Leadership is about hope, unity, and solutions, not division and despair.”
Sani also raised concerns about the conduct of some political supporters aligned with the Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB ideology, describing their behaviour as inconsistent with the values required for national leadership. He observed that a vocal segment of such supporters has become prominent in political discussions, especially on social media platforms.
According to him, these supporters frequently resort to online abuse, ethnic slurs, and personal attacks against Nigerians with opposing political views. He added that dissent is often framed as betrayal, while serious national issues are sometimes treated with mockery rather than constructive engagement.
Sani said this approach reflects an inability to convince Nigerians through ideas and respectful dialogue. “What is on display is not persuasion,” he noted, “but intolerance and a failure to win support through reasoned debate.”
He further questioned how any political movement could expect to earn nationwide trust while showing hostility toward fellow citizens. Such conduct, he argued, suggests a misplaced sense of entitlement, stressing that leadership in a diverse society must be earned through inclusion and mutual respect.
Sani concluded by stressing that Nigeria’s unity and global standing should guide anyone seeking public office.
He said political ambition must be matched by behaviour that builds confidence, fosters cohesion, and affirms belief in Nigeria’s future, which he described as essential to the country’s democratic health.
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