The 2023 Nigerian presidential elections have exposed and intensified deep-seated ethnic animosities, particularly against the Igbo community.
What was once a simmering undercurrent of bigotry has now escalated into widespread online and offline attacks, political disenfranchisement, and even physical violence.
This alarming trend not only threatens the unity of Nigeria but also poses a serious risk to peace and coexistence.
The Escalation of Hate Since the 2023 Elections
Before the elections, anti-Igbo sentiments were already present, as evidenced by the time #KillTheIgbos trended on Nigerian Twitter. Nigerians were also shocked to read the threat of genocide by a US-based medical doctor,Dr Abraham Ariyo in 2015.
And this was just after the Oba of Lagos had threatened to drown the Igbos in the Lagoon if they dared vote their choice instead of the person selected by the political godfathers of Lagos.
However, the hate campaign took a more vicious turn after Peter Obi, an Igbo man and the Labour Party presidential candidate, won major cities across Nigeria, including those with security and military formations.
His widespread popularity among Nigerians of diverse backgrounds seemed to have provoked a stronger ethnic backlash.
Many of his opponents sought to delegitimize his candidacy, not based on policy differences but solely on his ethnic identity.
This ethnic hostility was further fuelled by individuals in positions of influence. Sam Omatseye, a journalist, wrote an inflammatory article titled “Obi-tuary,” which insinuated that Obi’s rise was a front for separatist aspirations. Omatseye accused Obi’s supporters of transferring their allegiance from Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to Obi, implying that their political engagement was a veiled continuation of separatist ambitions.
This publication intensified existing ethnic divisions and fuelled further discourse on the role of ethnicity in Nigerian politics.
This was despite the fact that IPOB does not even believe in the Nigerian elections and most of them do not support nor like Peter Obi who they consider as a ‘’One Nigerianist’’.
Bayo Onanuga, a key member of Tinubu’s campaign, openly stated that Igbos should refrain from participating in Lagos politics in 2027. Following the elections, Onanuga asserted that the 2023 elections should mark the end of Igbo involvement in Lagos politics, declaring, “Let there be no repeat in 2027.”
He emphasized that Lagos is “Yoruba land” and advised Igbos to “mind your business.”
Despite widespread criticism, Onanuga remained unapologetic, stating, “I don’t owe anyone any apology for addressing the existential threats of our people.” Such remarks were not isolated; they reflected a broader sentiment that sought to exclude Igbos from political and economic participation in certain regions.
Online and Offline Aggression Against Igbos
The internet has played a major role in amplifying ethnic hate. Following the elections, anti-Igbo hashtags like #IgboMustGo began trending, further inciting division. The online rhetoric quickly translated into real-world consequences. During the Lagos gubernatorial elections, Igbo voters were harassed, attacked, and in some cases, prevented from exercising their right to vote.
Yoruba individuals who were mistaken for Igbos also suffered similar treatment, exposing the dangers of ethnic profiling.
Perhaps the most brazen act of intimidation came from MC Oluomo, a known political figure in Lagos, who publicly threatened Igbos with violence if they did not vote for the ruling party. Rather than being condemned universally, his threats were downplayed by those in power, further emboldening similar sentiments among grassroots supporters.
This resulted in deaths and assaults on innocent Nigerians who simply wanted to exercise their civic rights.
The Dangers of Unchecked Ethnic Hate
The increasing wave of anti-Igbo bigotry presents a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy and national stability. If ethnic groups are systematically excluded from political participation through threats and violence, it sets a dangerous precedent for future elections.
Moreover, it risks escalating into widespread ethnic conflict, similar to past incidents in Nigerian history where unchecked rhetoric led to real bloodshed.
Beyond politics, economic and social consequences loom large. Lagos, a commercial hub, thrives on its diversity. Discriminating against a significant portion of its population could lead to economic downturns, investor apprehension, and further fragmentation of an already polarized nation.
The persistence of such hatred could also deter Nigerian professionals in the diaspora from returning home to contribute to national development.
e Way Forward: Solutions for a United Nigeria
- Strong Political and Legal Actions Against Hate Speech: Government institutions must take decisive action against those who propagate ethnic division. Politicians and influencers who incite violence should face legal repercussions, regardless of their affiliations.
- Media and Social Media Regulation: While free speech is essential, platforms must be held accountable for hosting inflammatory content. Social media companies should work with local authorities to curb the spread of hate speech and misinformation.
- National Dialogue and Reconciliation Efforts: The government must initiate discussions that bring together leaders from different ethnic groups to address grievances and foster unity.
- Civic Education on Unity and Tolerance: Schools and religious institutions should incorporate teachings on Nigeria’s diversity, emphasizing peaceful coexistence and the dangers of tribalism.
- Security for Marginalized Communities: Law enforcement agencies must ensure the protection of all Nigerian citizens, particularly those who have been targeted due to their ethnic identity. Electoral violence should be met with swift and impartial justice.
Final Call
The rise in anti-Igbo sentiment following the 2023 elections is a dangerous development that cannot be ignored. Nigeria stands at a crossroads: it can either allow tribalism to dictate its future or take deliberate steps towards unity and inclusion.
The nation’s leadership, civil society, and ordinary citizens must reject the politics of hate and work towards a Nigeria where every citizen, regardless of their ethnicity, has equal rights and opportunities.
