Summary: Nigerian writer Solomon Buchi is calling out tribalistic voting culture in Nigeria — and his message is one every voter needs to reflect on before the next election.
Solomon Buchi, one of Nigeria’s most outspoken writers and social commentators, has once again stepped into the national conversation with a message that many Nigerians need to hear but few want to accept — tribalism is hurting us at the polls, and we are all paying the price for it.
The Hard Truth About How We Vote
In a pointed statement that has since sparked debate across social media, Buchi didn’t mince words. His message was clear and direct:
> “Tribalism is one of Nigeria’s problems. Voting for someone solely because of their tribe doesn’t exempt you from the consequences of that bad choice.”
And honestly? He has a point.
We have all seen it play out time and time again. A candidate emerges — no clear policy direction, questionable track record, and a history that should raise serious red flags — but because he speaks your language, hails from your state, or shares your ethnic identity, he gets your vote. No questions asked. No accountability demanded.
Omo, We Are All Suffering Together
Here is the bitter reality that Buchi is pointing to: bad governance does not discriminate by tribe.
When roads are bad, they are bad for everyone — Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Ijaw, Tiv, and every other group in between. When the naira loses value and the cost of living skyrockets, it hits every Nigerian’s pocket equally. When hospitals lack basic equipment and our children attend schools without furniture, no ethnic group gets a special pass.
Yet, election after election, millions of Nigerians continue to cast their votes based on sentiment rather than sense. We choose our person over the right person, and then we wonder why nothing changes.
The Cycle We Keep Enabling
Tribalistic voting does not just produce bad leaders — it actively protects them. When a politician knows that a large segment of voters will back him simply because of where he comes from, he has little incentive to perform. Why develop a solid manifesto? Why answer hard questions about infrastructure, security, or education? The votes are already secured.
This is how mediocrity thrives in Nigerian politics. This is how people who have nothing to offer except a shared surname or hometown continue to find their way into positions of power — positions that affect all of us.
It Is Time to Ask Better Questions
Before you cast your vote — whether in a local government election, governorship race, or presidential contest — Buchi’s message challenges every Nigerian to pause and ask:
– What has this person actually done?
– What is their plan for my community, my state, my country?
– Am I voting with my head or just my heart — and my ethnic loyalty?
Being proud of your tribe and your culture is beautiful. Nigeria’s diversity is genuinely one of its greatest strengths. But allowing that pride to cloud your political judgment is where we cross a dangerous line.
The Change Starts With Us
Nigerian politicians will continue to exploit ethnic sentiments for as long as voters allow them to. The moment we collectively decide that performance matters more than pedigree — that we will hold every candidate to the same standard regardless of where they come from — is the moment the game truly begins to change.
Solomon Buchi’s words are not just a social media post. They are a mirror held up to a nation that desperately needs to look at itself honestly.
The consequences of bad leadership are shared. Shouldn’t the responsibility for choosing good leaders be shared too?
What do you think? Is tribalistic voting still a major problem in Nigeria today? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
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