Politics
MR Seye Oladejo, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, has urged political leaders in the Southeast to embrace national integration rather than ethnic politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Oladejo, a former APC spokesman in Lagos State, made the call in a statement on Thursday while assessing emerging political narratives and alignments ahead of the polls.
He said that while every ethnic nationality had the right to pursue its interests within Nigeria’s federal structure, ethnic nationalism alone could not secure meaningful political gains.
According to him, Nigerian voters are becoming increasingly focused on governance, security, economic growth and job creation rather than emotional or ethnic appeals.
“While every ethnic nationality in Nigeria has the legitimate right to protect and promote its interests within the framework of our federal democracy, the hard truth remains that ethnic nationalism alone will not be enough to secure meaningful political gains in 2027.
“Nigeria’s political realities have evolved considerably. The electorate has become increasingly sophisticated, discerning and demanding.
“Across the country, citizens are looking beyond emotional appeals and primordial sentiments. They are asking more practical questions: Who can guarantee security? Who can create jobs? Who can stimulate economic growth?” he said.
Oladejo said political influence in a multi-ethnic federation could not be built solely on ethnic solidarity but required strategic engagement, coalition-building and active participation in national affairs.
He said no region could afford political isolation while seeking greater inclusion at the centre
The former party spokesman added that sustainable relevance depended on partnerships and commitment to national cohesion.
“The Southeast must therefore confront an inconvenient but necessary reality. Political influence in a multi-ethnic federation like Nigeria cannot be built solely on the foundation of ethnic solidarity.
“It requires strategic engagement, national coalition-building and active participation in the processes that shape the country’s political and economic direction.
“No region can afford to isolate itself politically while simultaneously seeking greater inclusion at the centre. No political aspiration can thrive on the basis of grievance alone,” he said.
The APC chieftain said Nigeria’s political architecture rewarded bridge-builders, noting that presidential elections were won through broad national consensus and strategic alliances.
“It is equally important to appreciate that the nation’s political architecture rewards those who build bridges rather than walls.
“Presidential elections in Nigeria are won through broad national consensus, cross-regional acceptance and strategic alliances that transcend ethnic and religious boundaries.
“The numbers and constitutional requirements are unambiguous,” he said.
Oladejo acknowledged the Southeast’s contributions to national development through entrepreneurship, innovation and intellectual excellence.
He, however, cautioned against attempts to convert frustrations arising from insecurity, economic hardship and governance challenges into ethnic mobilisation for electoral purposes.
“Furthermore, it would be a grave miscalculation for any political tendency to believe that the frustrations occasioned by insecurity, economic difficulties and governance challenges can automatically be converted into ethnic mobilisation for electoral purposes.
“Nigerians across all regions are seeking solutions, not slogans; competence, not sentiment; and leadership, not emotional agitation.
“The future belongs to those who can inspire confidence across ethnic divides and articulate a credible vision of a united, secure and prosperous Nigeria,” he said.
Oladejo said the Southeast had a historic opportunity to strengthen its place within the national project through constructive engagement, strategic partnerships and issue-based politics.
He said the region’s aspirations for greater inclusion and representation were legitimate but would be better realised through consensus-building than ethnic exceptionalism.
“The lesson for 2027 is ,therefore, straightforward: ethnic nationalism may generate passion and temporary political excitement, but it will not be enough to build the broad national coalition required to shape Nigeria’s future.
“The politics of the coming years will favour bridge-builders, consensus-seekers and leaders with the courage to place national interest above sectional considerations.
“The time has come to move from ethnic mobilisation to national integration, from grievance to engagement, and from isolation to constructive partnership,” he said.
(NAN)
W.U
June 18, 2026
Tags: Seye Oladejo