- On Saturday, Badenoch defeated Robert Jenrick in the Conservative Party leadership election.
- She garnered 53,806 votes against Jenrick’s 41,388 to succeed Rishi Sunak as Britain’s opposition leader.
Peter Obi, Labour Party’s presidential candidate in 2023, has urged Nigerians to move beyond tribalism, religious bias, and the “my turn” syndrome.
Obi’s statement was in response to Kemi Badenoch’s historic win as leader of the UK’s Conservative Party.
In a Sunday statement on his X page, Obi hailed Badenoch’s victory as timely and inspiring, boosting Nigerians’ faith in their potential amid challenges.
The former Anambra governor believes Nigerians should leverage this celebration to transform their leadership landscape.
Obi noted that effective leadership demands an environment of valuing competence, integrity, fresh perspectives, and forward-thinking to drive progress.
“The gratifying news of the election of a Nigerian-born @KemiBadenoch as the leader of the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom cannot come at a better time than now that events in the country are making Nigerians doubt their potential,” Obi said.
“Badenoch’s election is a powerful testament to the global potential of Nigerian and African youth.
“Her success showcases the strength of diversity and underscores the possibilities achievable when competence, capacity, integrity, and inclusivity are prioritized.
“This accomplishment is both inspiring and a wake-up call, highlighting the leadership paradox in Nigeria, where younger leaders with proven competence, capacity, and integrity often remain sidelined in favor of older figures who lack the same drive and qualities that the younger ones bring to the table.
“As we celebrate Kemi’s achievement, let us use it as a catalyst for change within our leadership landscape.
“It is time to move past outdated traditions of tribalism, religious bias, and the “my turn” syndrome and foster an environment that values competence, capacity, integrity, fresh perspectives, and forward-thinking leadership.
“Embracing a new generation of leaders can pave the way for a better future for Nigeria and Africa.
“Congratulations, Kemi Badenoch. A new Nigeria is indeed possible!”