Don kicks against ethnic, religious politics
A Professor of Politics and Governance, Bakare Talabi, has cautioned Nigerians against electing leaders based on ethnicity or religion, stressing that such sentiments have been largely responsible for poor governance outcomes and political instability in the country.
Talabi issued the warning on Sunday in Ilorin, Kwara State, during an interactive session with journalists at the Leadership Series organised by One Kwara Agenda, a civic advocacy platform promoting competence and credibility in leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He noted that countries where leadership choices are dictated by parochial sentiments often suffer misrule, instability, and underdevelopment.
> “Inclusiveness and balanced representation are important in a diverse society, but they must never override merit and competence. The quality of decisions leaders make has profound consequences, and when they are chosen for reasons other than capacity, the entire society pays the price,” Prof. Talabi cautioned.
According to him, Nigeria’s over-reliance on ethno-religious considerations in politics has been one of the greatest obstacles to national growth and stability.
The don further urged Kwarans to resist the antics of ethnic campaigners and sectional agitators, accusing them of using identity politics to disguise personal ambitions.
In his remarks, the Convener of One Kwara Agenda, Hon. Femi Adetola, popularly known as Dr. FAA, said the initiative was created to counter rising agitation over zoning of the governorship ticket among the state’s three senatorial districts.
