Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to choose leaders who possess competence, capacity, character, and compassion, stressing that these four qualities—the “4 Cs”—are essential for meaningful leadership.
He made this known in a post shared on his verified X account, as he reacted to the recent violent attacks in Benue State that left over 200 people dead, including women, children, and soldiers. Obi said the absence of these core leadership traits in Nigeria’s current administration has made the country more vulnerable, especially on security issues.
Using tragic events as examples, including flooding in Niger State and the Benue massacre, Obi criticised the federal government’s silence and lack of physical response. He expressed disappointment that the president did not visit any affected communities or publicly offer comfort to the victims.
He compared this with how other countries handle such crises, noting that leaders in India and South Africa showed empathy and accountability by visiting disaster scenes and directly addressing victims. According to Obi, that’s the kind of leadership Nigeria desperately needs—leadership that doesn’t just hold office but genuinely values human lives.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s problems won’t change unless citizens stop voting based on ethnicity or religion and instead focus on a candidate’s track record and values. Obi concluded by saying the country does not need just another election or politician, but a true leader who embodies the 4 Cs and is ready to serve with empathy, integrity, and action.
