Renowned poet and social advocate, Dike Chukwumerije, has called for systemic political change and greater unity among Nigerians to address the country’s challenges.
Speaking on this week’s edition of the Mic On Podcast with Seun Okinbaloye, Chukwumerije shared his disappointment with the outcome of the 2023 presidential election, emphasizing that Peter Obi, as a candidate with less political baggage, would have been a better choice to ensure the honest and transparent use of public resources. “I don’t really think Nigerians deserve it. It is not a reflection of the majority’s decision. I think we should have voted for Peter Obi just because he has less political baggage. We would have had better results by using public resources honestly and transparently.”
He also criticized Nigeria’s current political culture, arguing that it stifles development and perpetuates systemic problems, describing the country’s challenges as systemic rather than personal.
“I don’t see how [President Bola Tinubu] can develop the country with the current political culture and ideology. Nigeria cannot go anywhere until we free public resources and do not use the bulk of them to service political structures. The example he sets is a bad one, particularly on his path to power. The system in play cannot produce development.”
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, the poet stressed the need for opposition parties to unify, expressing optimism that this could lead to a different outcome.
“I think the opposition needs to come together as it is the only way in which 2027 can go in a different direction. Based on the way things are, if there is a realignment that has him (Peter Obi) on the ticket and the opposition coalescing around him, then 2027 can go differently.”
While he reflected on the lingering wounds of Nigeria’s Civil War, stressing the need for honest conversations to heal the nation, Chukwumerije who also shared insights into his poetry and vision for Nigeria, encouraged young Nigerians to remain hopeful.