Atiku condemns tribalism, urges Nigerians to vote based on competence

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described tribalism as a major obstacle to Nigeria’s development, urging citizens to reject ethnic divisions, especially when choosing their leaders.

In a statement released in Abuja by Kola Johnson, Atiku said tribalism is often promoted by political elites to divide the public and advance their personal ambitions.

He warned that these divisions are used to manipulate voters, discouraging them from supporting candidates based on merit and instead focusing on ethnicity.

“The elite are the main drivers of tribalism. They use it to pit one group against another, asking people not to vote for candidates simply because they are from a different ethnic group, rather than judging them on their qualifications,” he said.

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As the country prepares for upcoming elections, Atiku urged voters to focus on the competence and track record of candidates rather than their tribal backgrounds.

“Your focus should be on a person’s capabilities and history of service, not on where they come from. I urge you all to vote according to your conscience and not allow anyone to convince you that you shouldn’t vote for someone just because they are Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba.”

He also called on Nigerians to build relationships beyond tribal lines and see each other as citizens of one nation.

“We must see ourselves as one united family. Let’s treat each other as brothers and sisters who share a common national identity,” he added.

Reflecting on his personal life, Atiku recalled marrying his Yoruba wife in the 1970s, noting that his marriage would not have been possible if he had been guided solely by ethnic considerations.

Looking back at Nigeria’s political history, he praised the First Republic as a period marked by stronger values and performance among leaders. However, he said tribalism eventually undermined the political progress of that era.

“Tribalism was a major factor in the collapse of that period. It caused damage that the country has struggled to recover from,” he said.

Atiku urged Nigerians to learn from the past and unite in peace and mutual respect to build a better future.