You cannot undermine Nigeria and expect power, Sani fires at Obi

MaTaZ ArIsInG
Dallas, Texas

A fresh wave of political controversy has erupted as Anthony Sani, former Secretary-General of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has delivered a sharp rebuke aimed at Peter Obi and sections of his support base, accusing them of consistently portraying Nigeria in a negative light while still seeking national leadership.

Speaking in a strongly worded statement released via his Facebook page, Sani warned that no political figure can afford to spend years “talking down” on Nigeria and later expect to be entrusted with power by the same people and system they have criticised.

According to the elder statesman, leadership in a complex and diverse country like Nigeria requires more than criticism—it demands visible confidence in the nation’s future, along with the ability to unite citizens across ethnic, religious, and regional divides.

He stressed that aspiring leaders must be mindful of their public messaging both locally and internationally, noting that how a nation is presented on the global stage can significantly impact its reputation and internal cohesion.
Drawing from Nigeria’s democratic history, Sani argued that leaders who gained broad acceptance were those who balanced constructive criticism with a strong sense of national optimism. He maintained that criticism should be aimed at strengthening institutions rather than projecting hopelessness.

“You cannot spend years talking down on Nigeria and suddenly expect to be handed power,” Sani stated. “Leadership is about promoting hope, unity, and practical solutions—not deepening division or amplifying despair.”

In a further escalation of his remarks, Sani also took aim at what he described as the conduct of a “loud segment” of supporters linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). He alleged that their activities—particularly on social media—have increasingly been marked by hostility, including ethnic slurs, online harassment, and personal attacks against Nigerians with opposing political views.

He warned that such behaviour undermines democratic values and weakens any political movement’s credibility, arguing that disagreement in a democracy should not be treated as betrayal.
According to Sani, the trend reflects a failure to engage in meaningful dialogue, replacing persuasion with aggression—an approach he believes cannot win the trust of a broad and diverse electorate.

He further criticised what he termed a sense of “entitlement” within certain political circles, questioning how any group can expect nationwide support while exhibiting intolerance toward dissenting voices.

Reaffirming his stance, Sani concluded that anyone seeking to lead Nigeria must demonstrate respect for all citizens, foster unity, and project unwavering belief in the country’s potential.

As political tensions continue to build ahead of future elections, his remarks are likely to intensify ongoing debates around political messaging, national image, and the standards expected of those aspiring to lead Africa’s most populous nation.

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