WHAT IS WRONG WITH OUR IGBO POLITICIANS? A CALL FOR POLITICAL MATURITY AND UNITY

WHAT IS WRONG WITH OUR IGBO POLITICIANS? A CALL FOR POLITICAL MATURITY AND UNITY

One question many people are asking today is: Why do some Igbo politicians struggle to disagree without turning politics into personal battles?
Across Nigeria, political disagreements are normal. The Yorubas, Hausas, Ijaws, and other ethnic groups have politicians who oppose their own kinsmen politically.

Many Yoruba politicians have disagreed with President Bola Tinubu’s policies or political decisions, just as many Northern politicians have disagreed with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other northern leaders.

However, in many cases, these disagreements remain focused on ideas, policies, and political strategy rather than personal attacks.
This raises an important question: Why do we often see deeper divisions and emotional battles among some Igbo political leaders?

The problem is not that Igbo politicians disagree. Democracy is built on disagreement. The problem is when political competition becomes a fight that destroys relationships, weakens collective influence, and makes the entire region lose strategic opportunities.

Historically, the Igbo people have been known for entrepreneurship, education, innovation, and strong community organization. From business to technology, medicine, academia, and international trade, Igbo excellence is recognized globally. But political influence requires more than individual success; it requires unity of purpose and long-term vision.

A region cannot negotiate effectively when its leaders are constantly divided against themselves.

Other regions have shown that political differences can exist while still protecting common interests. They build networks, negotiate power, and prepare for the future. They understand that after elections, relationships continue.

The question for Igbo politicians should be:
Can we disagree without destroying ourselves?
Can we debate policies without insulting personalities?

Can we put the future of our people above personal ambition?

Politics is not only about winning elections; it is about building institutions, protecting interests, and creating opportunities for the next generation.

The greatest danger to any people is not having different opinions — it is lacking a common direction.

It is time for Igbo political leaders to move from politics of bitterness to politics of strategy, from personal battles to policy debates, and from division to collective progress.

The Igbo question is bigger than any individual politician. The future of a people depends on the wisdom of its leaders.