Baba-Ahmed Blames Poor Leadership, Politicians for Hatred, Divisions in Nigeria

National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has expressed concern over growing hatred and divisions in Nigeria, blaming the situation on poor leadership and the exploitation of ethnic and religious differences by politicians.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, Baba-Ahmed said many political actors deliberately deepen divisions among citizens to gain political advantage and retain power.

A former aide to President Bola Tinubu, Baba-Ahmed said the resulting atmosphere of distrust had weakened national unity and diverted attention from the real issues confronting the country.

He highlighted insecurity, poverty, unemployment and declining public services as some of the factors now affecting Nigerians regardless of ethnicity, religion or zone.

Baba-Ahmed argued that the country’s problems stem largely from the failure of leadership and institutions, rather than differences among citizens, and that Nigerians share more common interests than divisions.

He said bandits, kidnappers and criminals do not ask victims about their tribe, language or religion before attacking them, and that the struggle against insecurity should unify rather than polarise Nigerians.

Baba-Ahmed called for a renewed commitment to national unity, improved governance, and policies that prioritise jobs, security and basic services for citizens across ethnic, religious and regional lines.

He added that political leaders across parties should avoid rhetoric that frames national problems in ethnic or religious terms, saying the approach weakens institutions and distracts from policy reforms.

He urged the media and civil society to also keep attention on governance, security and economic performance rather than on identity-based narratives that deepen mistrust.

Sources: Vanguard, THISDAY, LEADERSHIP