Politics
Religion, Tribalism, and Political Issues Affecting Nigerians at Home and Abroad
Religion, Tribalism, and Political Issues Affecting Nigerians at Home and Abroad
By George O. Sylvester
Nigeria, a nation blessed with vast natural resources, a rich cultural heritage, and a resilient people, faces significant challenges that threaten its very foundation. As former President Olusegun Obasanjo once noted,
“Nigeria is a complex country, and we have to be careful not to allow our diversity to become a source of weakness, but rather a source of strength.”
Unfortunately, instead of being a unifying force, Nigeria’s diversity has increasingly become a source of division, with religion, tribalism, and politics driving deep wedges between its people.
Religion: A Tool for Unity or Division?
Religion plays a significant role in the lives of Nigerians, shaping their values, governance, and social interactions. The country is almost evenly split between Christians and Muslims, with a minority practicing indigenous religions. While faith should ideally promote peace and moral conduct, Nigeria’s religious landscape has often been a battleground for political influence, social conflict, and even violence.
Religious differences have contributed to some of the country’s worst crises, from the 1966 coup and the subsequent civil war to the rise of extremist groups like Boko Haram. The insurgency, which started in the northeast, has left tens of thousands dead and displaced millions. However, religious tension is not confined to terrorism; periodic clashes between Christian and Muslim communities over land, politics, and governance have occurred in states like Kaduna, Plateau, and Benue.
Yet, the Quran reminds us:
“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another.” — (Quran 49:13)
Similarly, the Bible teaches:
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” — (Galatians 3:28)
Despite these messages of unity, religious leaders and politicians frequently exploit religious sentiments to gain followers and suppress opposition. Churches and mosques often serve as political arenas where leaders mobilize their congregations for electoral victories rather than promoting national unity. The recent controversy over Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian ticket debates in presidential elections further exemplifies how religion is often weaponized in Nigerian politics.
However, there have been instances where religion has fostered peace and unity. Initiatives such as interfaith dialogues, the National Mosque and National Christian Centre collaborations, and efforts by organizations like the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) have attempted to bridge the divide. If more religious leaders advocate for unity rather than division, Nigeria could harness its religious diversity for progress rather than conflict.
Tribalism and Political Struggles
Tribalism has long been a significant factor in Nigeria’s political and social landscape. With over 250 ethnic groups, Nigeria is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. The three largest groups—the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo—dominate national politics, often to the detriment of smaller ethnic minorities.
Since gaining independence in 1960, ethnic loyalties have frequently overshadowed national interests. The civil war (1967–1970) between the Nigerian government and the secessionist state of Biafra was one of the most devastating consequences of ethnic tensions. Although the war ended over 50 years ago, ethnic grievances persist. Many Igbos feel politically marginalized, while the Yoruba and Hausa-Fulani continue to dominate the political scene.
Ethnic-based political alliances have also fueled corruption and nepotism. Political parties in Nigeria often reflect ethnic interests rather than ideological differences. Leaders distribute resources and political appointments based on tribal affiliations rather than competence, leading to inefficiency in governance. The persistent calls for restructuring and self-determination by groups like the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Oduduwa Republic movement highlight the dissatisfaction of many ethnic groups with the current federal structure.
Even among Nigerians in the diaspora, ethnic divisions remain evident. Rather than uniting as one Nigerian community, ethnic groups frequently organize their separate events and institutions. A striking example of this division was seen in the recent passport intervention program in South Africa, which was designed to assist Nigerians abroad with passport renewal and other consular services. Unfortunately, the program was marred by controversy and infighting, with different ethnic and interest groups vying for control and influence, further highlighting the deep-seated divisions among Nigerians.
Politics and the Struggle for Power
Political instability has been a major hindrance to Nigeria’s development. The country has experienced multiple military coups, civilian regimes plagued by corruption, and electoral malpractices that undermine democratic principles. Despite transitioning to democracy in 1999, the political landscape remains fragile, with widespread voter suppression, election violence, and allegations of rigging.
One of Nigeria’s major political issues is the failure of leadership to address the country’s socio-economic challenges. Politicians often prioritize personal and ethnic interests over national development. The lack of accountability has led to widespread corruption, with billions of dollars stolen from public coffers while basic amenities such as electricity, healthcare, and education remain underfunded.
Additionally, political power struggles have fueled violence across the country. The farmer-herder clashes in the Middle Belt, banditry in the Northwest, and the resurgence of militancy in the Niger Delta all have political undertones. Many of these conflicts are exacerbated by poor governance, economic hardship, and a lack of political will to address root causes.
As Nigeria prepares for future elections, the need for electoral reforms, stronger institutions, and credible leadership has never been more critical. The success of the 2023 general elections demonstrated some progress, with the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) reducing electoral fraud. However, more needs to be done to ensure free and fair elections that reflect the people’s will.
A Call for Unity and National Consensus
To overcome these challenges, Nigerians—both at home and abroad—must come together to forge a new national consensus, one that prioritizes unity, inclusivity, and the common good. As former President Olusegun Obasanjo stated,
“Nigeria’s future is bright, but we must work together to achieve it.
”
Similarly, Nigerian-American writer Teju Cole observed,
“The Nigerian diaspora is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, and we must find ways to navigate its complexities.”
For Nigeria to progress, certain key actions must be taken:
1. Promoting National Identity Over Ethnic Loyalty
Nigeria must foster a national identity that transcends tribal and religious lines. This can be achieved through inclusive policies, unbiased historical education, and national programs that encourage unity.
2. Strengthening Institutions and the Rule of Law
A strong legal system that holds leaders accountable will reduce corruption and ensure that governance benefits all Nigerians, not just a privileged few. Electoral reforms and anti-corruption measures must be enforced to restore faith in the government.
3. Encouraging Religious Tolerance and Interfaith Dialogue
Religious leaders and institutions must actively promote peace, coexistence, and mutual respect among Nigeria’s diverse faith communities. Interfaith initiatives should be expanded to bridge divides and counteract extremist ideologies.
4. Fostering Unity Among the Nigerian Diaspora
Nigerians abroad should see themselves as ambassadors of one nation, rather than representatives of separate ethnic groups. The diaspora can play a key role in national development through investments, knowledge transfer, and advocacy for democratic governance.
5. Ensuring Economic and Social Development
Economic disparity is a major driver of conflict. Policies that promote job creation, education, and poverty alleviation will help reduce the frustration that fuels religious extremism and ethnic tension.
Conclusion
Now is the time for Nigerians—both within the country and in the diaspora—to rise above divisions and work toward a brighter, more unified future. Nigeria has the potential to be a global powerhouse, but only if its people can look beyond their differences and work together for the common good.
The road to unity is not easy, but as history has shown, great nations are built not on division, but on the strength of a united people. Nigerians must choose whether to be held back by their differences or to embrace their diversity as a tool for progress. The choice is clear: unity, peace, and development must take precedence over tribalism, religious intolerance, and political selfishness. Only then can Nigeria fulfill its vast potential and become the great country its people deserve.
Politics
Ogun Central To Host Final Zonal Townhall Meeting for Sen. Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, April 30
Ogun Central To Host Final Zonal Townhall Meeting for Sen. Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, April 30
-.Removes Hon.Olugbenga Lekuti as Deputy Director General,Ogun East
One of the leading Political Groups, Ogun Visionaries is set to host the final zonal edition of the Sen. Solomon Adeola Yayi town hall meetings in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital. The Ogun Central Edition, scheduled for April 30, 2026, aims to engage the electorate and push for Senator Yayi’s Governorship bid in 2027.
The event is themed ‘Ogun 2027: Yayi For All,’ marking the finale of the zonal town hall meetings.
Addressing Journalists on Tuesday in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital,the Director General of Ogun Visionaries, Hon. Leye Odunjo, said the meeting will draw key stakeholders from Ogun Central’s political power circle.
Hon.odunjo stated that the event will kick off with a health walk, ‘Ogun Visionaries For Yayi Unity Walk,’ in the morning of April 30, 2026.The walk is themed ‘Let’s Walk for A United and Prosperous Ogun State,’ aiming to rally support for Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Governorship aspiration.
“The town hall meeting is expected to feature prominent personalities, including Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi as the Special Guest of Honour. The event will provide a platform for interaction and engagement with the electorate”.
Ogun Visionaries has successfully held town hall meetings in Ogun West and Ogun East senatorial districts. The Ogun Central Edition is the final zonal meeting before moving to LGAs and wards.
The Director General while acknowledging the support received from various personalities since inception of the group,disclosed that distinguished individuals would be honoured with Award of Recognition during the event.
Odunjo, who is also a Senior Legislative Aide to the Deputy Senate President said “The political atmosphere in Ogun State is reportedly in tune with the people’s yearning for Yayi’s emergence. Ogun Visionaries is at the forefront of making this a reality.
“The event aims to unite stakeholders and push for a prosperous Ogun State. With Senator Yayi’s popularity growing, the meeting is expected to draw a large turnout.
“The Ogun Central Edition will provide a platform for stakeholders to interact and engage with the electorate. The event is seen as a crucial step towards achieving the group’s goals.
“Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi’s presence is expected to energize supporters and further boost his campaign for 2027” he added
Meanwhile, Ogun Visionaries has announced removal of Hon Olugbenga Lekuti as the Deputy Director General, DDG,Ogun East, of the group.
Announcing the removal in a brief statement made available to Journalists, Hon.Odunjo stated that Hon.Lekuti was relieved of the position as a result of his anti -group and anti -Yayi’s acts.
He added that a new Deputy Director General would be announced in due course.
Politics
Political Earthquake in Kano: How, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Nasiru Gawuna’s Move to ADC Reshapes North-West Politics
Political Earthquake in Kano: How, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Nasiru Gawuna’s Move to ADC Reshapes North-West Politics
The political atmosphere of Nigeria’s North-West was fundamentally altered on a sweltering afternoon in 2026 after Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso former Governor of Kano State and Former Minister for Defence who is also the “Grand Commander” of the Red-Cap revolution, finalized a move that many viewed as the ultimate masterstroke of his political career. By transitioning from the NNPP to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kwankwaso did more than change platforms; he effectively reset the coordinates of the nation’s largest voting bloc.
Senator Kwankwaso’s pedigree is defined by a singular devotion to human capital development and an almost mythical grassroots loyalty preceded him. He turned a local movement, the Kwankwasiyya, into a disciplined, ideological army that transcends traditional party structures. His entry into the ADC instantly transformed a secondary party into a formidable fortress, signaling to the ruling elite that the North-West is no longer a monolith under their control.
The gravity of this shift is most profound in Kano, the heartbeat of Northern commerce. For years, the state was a polarized battlefield between the Kwankwasiyya and established conservative wings. However, the entry of Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna into the same ADC orbit has created a “Kano Super-Alliance” that was previously unthinkable. Kwankwaso, the visionary architect who sent thousands of Kano’s children to global universities, now finds his populist ideology merging with Gawuna’s administrative steadiness and deep-rooted institutional connections.
This synergy is a seismic departure from the politics of “zero-sum” rivalry; it is a calculated fusion of mass appeal and the strategic machinery required to protect and deliver votes.
This move reshuffles the entire North-West deck. As Kwankwaso plants the ADC flag across the region, he is attracting a wave of heavyweights from Kaduna to Sokoto who feel marginalized by the status quo. His political pedigree allows him to speak with a regional authority that others lack, positioning himself as a protector during a time of economic uncertainty. By bringing Gawuna into this fold, the dynamics of Kano politics have shifted from a war of attrition to a coalition of necessity. This alliance creates a “Third Way” that bypasses the failures of the old guard, promising a return to the rapid growth that defined the Kwankwaso years, but with a broader, more inclusive base that could dictate the occupant of Aso Rock in 2027.
Kwankwaso’s career has always been defined by a uniquely personal brand of power. From 1999 to 2015, he served two terms as Governor of Kano State, in addition to roles as Minister of Defence and Senator. While many were surprised by his recent maneuvers; especially following closed-door meetings with President Bola Tinubu, he chose the emerging ADC over the ruling APC.
In the high-stakes theater of Nigerian politics, few events have jolted the region quite like the defection of Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna from the APC to the ADC on March 31, 2026. Coming just twenty-four hours after Kwankwaso’s move, Gawuna’s transition fundamentally has also altered the political calculus in Kano. What makes this moment remarkable is the sheer drama of the reversal. Gawuna’s political journey has been a steady, calculated ascent through Kano’s establishment. He first shot to prominence as Commissioner of Agriculture under Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, earning a reputation for hands-on management in a state where farming is the economic backbone. He eventually rose to Deputy Governor, serving for nearly six years and gaining invaluable executive experience. Beyond partisan politics, Gawuna distinguished himself as Chairman of the Governing Council of Bayero University and, most recently, as Chairman of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN). He resigned from the FMBN on March 27, 2026, citing compliance with presidential directives regarding political appointees.
A look back at the 2023 gubernatorial election reveals just how significant Gawuna is. Running under the APC, he polled over 890,000 votes against the formidable Kwankwasiyya machine. This proved that he is one of the few politicians in Kano who can genuinely compete with Kwankwaso’s electoral machinery. His strength is threefold: he appeals to the youth, the religious establishment (Ulama), and the business community; he has the capacity to split the APC vote; and he has demonstrated he can deliver votes independently of a larger party wave. To understand the magnitude of this defection, one must appreciate the complete inversion of alliances since 2023. Back then, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf ran on the NNPP ticket with Kwankwaso’s backing, while Gawuna carried the APC banner with Ganduje’s support. By 2027, the roles will likely reverse: Governor Yusuf is positioned to run under the APC with Ganduje’s blessing, while Gawuna is poised to run under the ADC with Kwankwaso’s endorsement.
From the perspective of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Gawuna’s arrival is a “return” rather than a “recruitment,” as he was part of the movement’s pioneer cohort. This narrative neutralizes accusations of opportunism. For his part, Gawuna framed his move in terms of service and divine guidance, with sources indicating he felt marginalized within the APC after his 2023 defeat.
The reaction from within the APC has been one of worry and regret. President Tinubu, recognizing the stakes, reportedly directed party leaders to prevent Gawuna’s move, even offering him an automatic Senatorial ticket for 2027. The failure of this pressure campaign, Gawuna reportedly placed his phone on “Do Not Disturb” and traveled abroad to avoid lobbyists represents a significant defeat for the presidency’s political management. This crisis prompted emergency meetings between President Tinubu, Dr. Ganduje, and Badaru Abubakar at the Presidential Villa to reorganize their strategy.
The long-term implication is the potential break of the APC-PDP duopoly. The ADC is now positioning itself as a genuine “third force” in the North-West. The defection of high-profile figures like Senator Ahmed Babba-Kaita, Senator Aishatu “Binani” Ahmed, and former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami suggests a coordinated realignment. This competition could force more substantive policy debates and reduce the “zero-sum” intensity of regional elections.
The projected 2027 gubernatorial rematch between Gawuna (ADC) and Governor Yusuf (APC) will be a battle between two men with established records. Voters will have a genuine choice between performance and platform rather than just shifting loyalties. As Gawuna put it: “Allah gives power to whom He wants and when He wants.” While the 2027 elections will reveal where that power flows, it is already clear that the political landscape of the North-West will never look the same again.
Politics
Governor Dauda Lawal Approves Gratuity Payment
Governor Dauda Lawal Approves Gratuity Payment
The Zamfara State Government, under the visionary leadership of Governor Dauda Lawal, has approved the release of funds for the payment of Gratuity Batch 3 for the 2024/25 period. This decisive action underscores the administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of retired civil servants who dedicated years of service to the state’s development.
The Accountant General of the State is already working diligently to ensure that all eligible retirees receive their payments promptly and efficiently, reflecting the government’s resolve to uphold transparency and accountability in the disbursement process.
This timely gratuity payment is a testament to Governor Dauda Lawal’s people-centered leadership, which recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of retirees to the progress and stability of Zamfara State. It also reaffirms the government’s pledge to honor its financial obligations without unnecessary delays.
The Zamfara State Government calls on all retirees in the affected batch to exercise patience as the necessary administrative and financial processes are finalized. Every effort is being made to ensure smooth and uninterrupted payments.
This initiative is part of Governor Dauda Lawal’s broader vision to empower citizens and retirees, strengthen confidence in public service, and sustain the morale of those who have committed their lives to the growth of Zamfara State.
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