Growing Hatred, Division Endangering Nigeria’s Unity – Baba-Ahmed

The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has raised concerns over what he described as the increasing level of hatred and division across Nigeria, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to the country’s unity and development.

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday, Baba-Ahmed attributed the growing divisions to poor leadership and the manipulation of ethnic and religious sentiments by political actors seeking to gain and retain power.

The former aide to President Bola Tinubu accused some politicians of deliberately fueling distrust among Nigerians for political advantage, arguing that such actions have weakened national cohesion and distracted citizens from pressing national challenges.

According to him, insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and the decline in public services remain the major issues confronting Nigerians, regardless of their ethnic, religious, or regional backgrounds.

“Bandits, kidnappers and criminals do not ask victims about their tribes, language or religion before attacking them,” Baba-Ahmed stated.

He maintained that the country’s difficulties stem largely from leadership failures and weak institutions rather than differences among its people. He stressed that Nigerians share far more common interests than the divisions often highlighted in political discourse.

Baba-Ahmed called for a renewed commitment to national unity, urging political leaders to abandon identity-based politics and concentrate on policies that improve the welfare of citizens.

He further emphasized the need to rebuild public confidence in government institutions, noting that stronger institutions would help reduce tensions and foster greater national cohesion.

“Rebuilding trust in government and strengthening institutions will go a long way in reducing tensions and fostering national cohesion. We need leadership that unites Nigerians and addresses the issues that affect everyone, irrespective of where they come from,” he said.