Activist Deji Adeyanju has revealed that the outcome of the upcoming general elections may be hugely influenced by sentiments as typical Nigerian voters are inclined to voting candidates who share the same tribe and religious views with them.
As Nigerians continue to witness the unfolding of events leading up to the 2023 general elections, a number of factors such as tribe, religion and ethnicity that have played a significant role in Nigeria’s elections, especially the presidential elections, seem to be in the move again. This development was recently captured by the convener of Concerned Nigerians, Activist Deji Adeyanju, who revealed in a Facebook post that the outcome of the upcoming general elections may be hugely influenced by sentiments as typical Nigerian voters are inclined to voting candidates who share the same tribe and religious views with them.
His post reads: “2023 may turn out to be about tribe, ethnicity and religion. It will be sad indeed.”
Mr Adeyanju who has often advocated for Igbo presidency has criticised the influence of religion and tribalism on the electoral process. His arguments are based on the fact that tribalism and religion are not qualities of a good leader. And since democracy is a game of numbers, it might be relatively difficult ever having a Nigerian President of an Igbo origin without the support of the other ethnic nationalities in the country. This is because the Igbo Community falls within the category of the minority regions in terms of population. In various posts on his Facebook, Mr Adeyanju has maintained that it would be reasonable for the other ethnic nationalities in Nigeria to support the emergence of a Nigerian President of an Igbo origin after the tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari in the interest of equity and justice in power sharing in the Nigerian politics.
