Former Arewa Scribe Blast Peter Obi Over 2027 Election
Anthony Sani, former Secretary General of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has criticised Peter Obi and some of his supporters over what he described as sustained negative messaging about Nigeria, warning that the country cannot be entrusted to leaders who have spent years “demarketing” the nation and portraying it as hopeless.
The elder statesman made his position known in a statement shared on his Facebook page, where he addressed ongoing political debates and campaign narratives ahead of future elections, he stressed that leadership in Nigeria requires a clear belief in the country’s potential and a willingness to work across ethnic, regional, and religious lines.
According to him, public figures who aspire to national leadership must show responsibility in how they speak about the country at home and abroad.
In explaining his broader view on leadership and political acceptance, Sani pointed to past democratic experiences in Nigeria and the qualities that helped leaders gain public trust across divides
He argued that criticism should strengthen the country rather than weaken it. “The lesson from Nigeria’s democratic history is clear,” Sani noted. “Leaders who gained acceptance were those who criticised constructively at home while projecting belief in the country’s potential. You cannot spend years talking down on Nigeria and suddenly expect to be handed power. Leadership is about selling hope, unity, and solutions, not sowing division and despair.”
Sani also addressed the conduct of some supporters associated with the Indigenous People of Biafra ideology, saying their actions undermine the values needed for national leadership, he said the behaviour of a “loud segment of IPOB supporters” has become a recurring issue in political discussions, especially on social media platforms.
He explained that these individuals often resort to online abuse, ethnic insults, and personal attacks against Nigerians who hold different political views.
According to Sani, disagreement is frequently treated as betrayal, while national challenges are sometimes celebrated rather than addressed constructively, he said this pattern reflects “not persuasion” but a failure to engage Nigerians through ideas and respectful debate.
The former ACF official further questioned how any political movement could expect to earn widespread trust while showing hostility toward fellow citizens.
He described the mindset behind such behaviour as one of “entitlement,” arguing that leadership in a diverse country like Nigeria must be earned through inclusive dialogue and demonstrated respect for differing opinions.
Sani maintained that Nigeria’s unity and image should remain a priority for anyone seeking to lead the country, he said political ambition must be matched with conduct that reassures citizens, promotes cohesion, and reflects confidence in Nigeria’s future, adding that these standards remain essential in a democratic society.