Prominent Nigerian actor and politician Kenneth Okonkwo has sharply criticised the tendency of Nigerian political leaders to exploit ethnic and religious sentiments in their campaigns, describing such strategies as a clear sign of policy failure.[โฆ]CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLEโถ
In an interview on Arise TV’s News Day programme, Okonkwo addressed the growing issue of divisive political rhetoric, asserting that leaders who rely on these tactics do so because they have no substantial policies to offer the electorate.
He emphasised that this reliance on “primordial sentiments” is a reflection of the leadershipโs incompetence and inability to persuade citizens with meaningful programs and initiatives.
Okonkwo also suggested that the effectiveness of these methods is waning in modern Nigerian politics, where voters are becoming increasingly disillusioned with ethnic and religious appeals.
He highlighted the example of President Bola Tinubu, stating that despite playing all the ethnic cards and advancing the controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket, Tinubu still lost in his home state of Lagos during the last election.
This loss, according to Okonkwo, serves as evidence that such divisive strategies are no longer as influential as they once were.
In a broader commentary on the changing political landscape in Nigeria, Okonkwo noted that the electorate has matured beyond the days when ethnic or religious affiliation could be used to sway voters.
He argued that Nigerians are increasingly focused on leadership quality and sound policies rather than being influenced by tribal or religious considerations.
Okonkwo expressed confidence that the country is progressing toward a more issue-based political culture where voters demand more from their leaders.
However, despite this shift, the actor-turned-politician expressed concern about new strategies being used by politicians to secure electoral victories.
He lamented that while ethnic and religious manipulation may be losing its grip, politicians are now turning to more underhanded methods such as election rigging, electoral violence, and corruption.
These, Okonkwo argued, have become the new tools for winning elections in Nigeria.
He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and to continue rejecting these forms of manipulation, calling for electoral reforms that would help ensure free and fair elections.
Okonkwo said, “The present president (Tinubu) threw up all the ethnic cards, the Muslim-Muslim ticket, and he still lost his state.
“After doing all those things, he didn’t even impress anybody and still had the least voteโฆCLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES>>>
