Cheesom

I see many Nigerians saying, “Look at the American election; this is what democracy looks like.” Yet, those same Nigerians conveniently forget that Americans do not generally approach elections with the same level of tribal and religious sentiments that we see in Nigeria. And that is one of the major differences between Nigeria and the United States. In a country like the United States, where Christianity is the dominant religion, Muslims can still be elected as senators and mayors. Competence and the ability to serve should matter more than religious identity. But don’t worry. Take a look at the discussions on X and the Nigerian political landscape, and you will understand the unreasonable level of tribal and religious sentiments that influence our politics. Even when someone from our own tribe or religion is clearly incompetent, we find ways to defend them simply because they are “our brother.” Until we learn to put competence, character, and capacity above tribe and religion, we will continue to deceive ourselves.