Shehu Aliyu Musa, the Senatorial Candidate of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) for Bauchi South Senatorial District, has called on Nigerians to shift their focus from religious, ethnic, and regional sentiments in politics to the competence, vision, and capacity of candidates seeking elective office. According to him, this change is crucial for the country's progress and to ensure that voters assess leaders based on their ability to deliver good governance. Musa made these remarks while speaking on the state of Nigeria’s political development.
Hon. Musa, a former member of the House of Representatives in the 8th National Assembly, stressed that Nigeria can only achieve meaningful development when citizens begin to elect leaders based on merit, proven leadership qualities, and a clear vision for national transformation. He argued that the continued emphasis on identity politics has slowed the country’s progress and distracted voters from assessing leaders based on their ability to deliver good governance.
The PRP senatorial candidate further stated that the growing tendency to evaluate candidates through the prism of religion and ethnicity has diverted attention from critical issues affecting governance and development. He maintained that leadership selection should be guided by a candidate’s track record, competence, and ability to address the challenges facing the nation. According to him, “If at all we want to get it right, if at all we want development in Nigeria, then we should be looking at capacity—who can be able to deliver, who has the talent, who has the foresight, who has the vision to take us forward.”
Hon. Musa expressed concern that some political actors deliberately exploit religious and ethnic differences to influence public opinion and gain electoral advantage, rather than engaging voters on issues of governance and development. He noted that such tactics weaken democratic institutions and prevent citizens from focusing on the qualities required for effective leadership. According to him, politicians often introduce these sentiments to divide attention and take advantage of the electorate.
The former lawmaker also criticized the recurring debates over regional power rotation and geographical considerations in the country’s political discourse. He insisted that competence should take precedence over where a candidate comes from. Musa noted that the frequent emphasis on whether leadership should come from the North, South, or any other region does little to address the pressing socio-economic and security challenges confronting the nation.
Hon. Musa stressed that Nigerians should instead focus on identifying individuals with the capacity to deliver tangible results and provide purposeful leadership. He reiterated the need for a political culture that prioritises competence, accountability, and service delivery. According to him, Nigeria would witness greater progress when citizens make electoral decisions based on the qualifications and vision of candidates rather than sentiments rooted in religion, ethnicity, or regional affiliation.
Hon. Musa called on voters across the country to embrace issue-based politics and actively support leaders with the capacity and commitment to address the nation’s developmental challenges and improve the welfare of the people. He expressed confidence that a shift towards issue-based politics would lead to more effective governance and development in Nigeria. KEY_POINT: Shehu Musa urges Nigerians to focus on competence, vision, and capacity of candidates. KEY_POINT: Emphasis on identity politics has slowed Nigeria's progress. KEY_POINT: Issue-based politics can lead to more effective governance and development.
