₦airaland Forum

This morning, while going through a thread titled “Regional Distribution of Votes in the 2023 Presidential Election” by blamingthedevil, I noticed a recurring narrative portraying the South East as tribalistic because of its overwhelming support for Peter Obi. That repeated characterization prompted a deep concern and compelled me to bring to our collective intellectual consciousness the dangerous implications of such a narrative.

In recent political conversations across Nigeria, this troubling claim has continued to gain traction. Some commentators—particularly from the South West—have attempted to label the South East as “tribalistic” simply because the region voted overwhelmingly for Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election.

This argument is not only unfair but dangerously hypocritical. A careful look at Nigeria’s own electoral history shows that strong regional voting patterns are not unique to the South East. In fact, they have been a consistent feature of Nigerian elections across all regions.

The 2015 Nigerian presidential election between Muhammadu Buhari of the APC and Goodluck Jonathan of the PDP revealed clear regional voting patterns across the country.

2015 Presidential Election by Geopolitical Zone

Geopolitical Zone APC (Buhari) PDP (Jonathan)

North-West 83% 16%
North-East 78% 22%
North-Central 59% 40%
South-West 56% 42%
South-South 8% 91%
South-East 7% 91%


The data tells a clear story: every region of Nigeria voted overwhelmingly for one candidate or another. The North-West and North-East gave massive support to Buhari, while the South-South and South-East overwhelmingly supported Jonathan.

Yet at that time, the national conversation did not revolve around accusing entire regions of tribal bigotry.

Why then is the South East suddenly being singled out today?

If voting overwhelmingly for a candidate from one's region is evidence of tribalism, then by the same logic many regions across Nigeria would be guilty of the same charge.

The truth is that voting behavior in Nigeria—like in many democracies around the world—is influenced by history, trust, perceived competence, and political alignment. Regional identity can play a role, but it is far from the only factor.

To isolate one region and label millions of citizens as tribal bigots because of their electoral choice is not analysis; it is prejudice.

Democracy Allows Citizens to Choose Freely

In a democracy, citizens have the right to support any candidate they believe best represents their interests and aspirations. That is the essence of democratic freedom.

When people in the South East rallied behind Peter Obi, many believed he represented a different vision for governance, economic management, and national leadership. Their choice may be debated politically, but it should never be weaponized as evidence of ethnic intolerance.

Nigeria must remember the painful lessons of the Nigerian Civil War. That conflict was fueled by mistrust, propaganda, and ethnic suspicion.

The international community has also seen how dangerous such narratives can become. The Rwandan Genocide showed the catastrophic consequences of sustained ethnic demonization.

When public discourse begins to portray entire populations as tribalistic or disloyal, it plants seeds of division that can grow into something far more dangerous.

Political leaders must recognize the danger of these narratives and act responsibly. During his presidency, Goodluck Jonathan demonstrated a level of political tolerance that helped stabilize the nation during highly contested elections.

Today, the government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu carries a similar responsibility. Protecting national unity requires confronting rhetoric that stigmatizes entire regions or ethnic groups.

Narratives that portray one region as inherently tribalistic are not just political opinions—they can become threats to national cohesion.

Nigeria’s democracy will only mature when citizens learn to debate politics without demonizing entire communities. Strong regional voting patterns are not new; they are part of Nigeria’s political reality.

What is new—and dangerous—is the attempt to stigmatize one region for doing what every other region has done at different times in the country’s democratic journey.

The real threat to Nigeria is not how people vote.

The real threat is the deliberate attempt to turn electoral choices into ethnic accusations that divide the nation and bully citizens into electoral silence.

Nigeria must reject such narratives if it hopes to build a stable, united, and mature democracy.

What percentage of votes did Peter Obi receive in South East compared to What Tinubu received in South West or what Atiku received in North East

Those emotional blackmailing stopped working long time.

You guys keep on repeating obsolete method that never worked for you in the past with the hope of bringing new results.

That's stagnant

I want the Mods to first push this wonderful thread to the FP just like they quickly pushed the propaganda of tribalism against our neigbours from the East

Ask these set of tribal data boiz what did the East give to OBJ, Yaradua and watch them crawl to shift the goal.

You hear sömething like "Ojukwu never stood a chance against OBJ" or " Yaradua was too popular to have less than 90% from öur neigbours from the East

They are now gaslighting our neigbours to support the fake certificate holder in 2027. They are using Taqyiyah Psychology to introduce tribalism in the coming election.

On a good free and fair election, the fake certificate holder can never win any votes from his Iragbiji Clan

REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION OF VOTES IN THE 2023 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

North Central:
🔵Tinubu — 40.03%
🟣Obi — 32.18%
🔴Atiku — 26.42%
🟠Kwankwaso — 1.37%

North East:
🔴Atiku — 51.71%
🔵Tinubu — 35.19%
🟣Obi — 9.35%
🟠Kwankwaso — 3.75%

North West:
🔵Tinubu — 40.08%
🔴Atiku — 35.35%
🟠Kwankwaso — 19.25%
🟣Obi — 5.31%

South East:
🟣Obi — 89.42%
🔵Tinubu — 5.83%
🔴Atiku — 4.17%
🟠Kwankwaso — 0.38%

South South:
🟣Obi — 44.09%
🔵Tinubu — 29.13%
🔴Atiku — 26.15%
🟠Kwankwaso — 0.63%

South West:
🔵Tinubu — 55.77%
🔴Atiku — 23.04%
🟣Obi — 20.78%
🟠Kwankwaso — 0.41%

🔵APC 🟣LP 🔴PDP 🟠NNPP

89% is more than bigotry, its tribalistic

You guys should endeavor to the thinking your thoughts through before rushing to post on social media.

The analysis above erased whatever epistle you might have written as it's all false

helinues:
What percentage of votes did Peter Obi receive in South East compared to What Tinubu received in South West or what Atiku received in North East

Those emotional blackmailing stopped working long time.

You guys keep on repeating obsolete method that never worked for you in the past with the hope of bring new results.

That's stagnant

Did you promote this same narrative in 2015, when the North-West and North-East overwhelmingly voted for Muhammadu Buhari, or when the South-East and South-South massively supported Goodluck Ebele Jonathan?

Why was it not labeled tribalism then? Why has it suddenly become a problem in 2023? Is it simply because Peter Obi was on the ballot?

Voting patterns have always reflected regional preferences in Nigerian elections. Singling out one region in 2023 while ignoring similar patterns in previous elections is inconsistent and intellectually dishonest.

What an irony!
tHe accusation of voting based on ethnicity was laid and mouthed by the people from a region who gave the bulk of their votes to their own man.
Gaslighting also backfires

dgr8truth:
Did you promote this same narrative in 2015, when the North-West and North-East overwhelmingly voted for Muhammadu Buhari, or when the South-East and South-South massively supported Goodluck Ebele Jonathan?

Why was it not labeled tribalism then? Why has it suddenly become a problem in 2023? Is it simply because Peter Obi was on the ballot?

Voting patterns have always reflected regional preferences in Nigerian elections. Singling out one region in 2023 while ignoring similar patterns in previous elections is inconsistent and intellectually dishonest.

Please don't sound lame. So because the NW people gave Buhari bigot votes in whatever election, is that why South East is emulating same. I thought you guys claimed you are different

Again, try and be thinking your thoughts through

helinues:
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION OF VOTES IN THE 2023 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

North Central:
🔵Tinubu — 40.03%
🟣Obi — 32.18%
🔴Atiku — 26.42%
🟠Kwankwaso — 1.37%

North East:
🔴Atiku — 51.71%
🔵Tinubu — 35.19%
🟣Obi — 9.35%
🟠Kwankwaso — 3.75%

North West:
🔵Tinubu — 40.08%
🔴Atiku — 35.35%
🟠Kwankwaso — 19.25%
🟣Obi — 5.31%

South East:
🟣Obi — 89.42%
🔵Tinubu — 5.83%
🔴Atiku — 4.17%
🟠Kwankwaso — 0.38%

South South:
🟣Obi — 44.09%
🔵Tinubu — 29.13%
🔴Atiku — 26.15%
🟠Kwankwaso — 0.63%

South West:
🔵Tinubu — 55.77%
🔴Atiku — 23.04%
🟣Obi — 20.78%
🟠Kwankwaso — 0.41%

🔵APC 🟣LP 🔴PDP 🟠NNPP

89% is more than bigotry, its tribalistic

You guys should endeavor to the thinking your thoughts through before rushing to post on social media.

The analysis above erased whatever epistle you might have written as it's all false

Using your logic can you equally say the North is ethnic

2015 Presidential Election Results
North-West 83% 16%
North-East 78% 22%
North-Central 59% 40%
South-West 56% 42%
South-South 8% 91%
South-East 7% 91%

helinues:
Please don't sound lame. So because the NW people gave Buhari bigot votes in whatever election, is that why South East is emulating same. I thought you guys claimed you are different

Again, try and be thinking your thoughts through

In my conversation with you I have been very respectful of you I expect you extend that same courtesy.

FYI I am not from the south east if you care to know.

dgr8truth:
Using your logic can you equally say the North is ethnic

2015 Presidential Election Results
North-West 83% 16%
North-East 78% 22%
North-Central 59% 40%
South-West 56% 42%
South-South 8% 91%
South-East 7% 91%

Please don't shift from your own narration. I won't accept that

Btw, how on earth did Peter Obi receive 89% of votes in South East? The same Peter Obi that his tenure as Anambra state governor for 8 years was horrible with so many threads during his time still existing

https://www.nairaland.com/870945/what-exactly-peter-obi-doing

It can only be about bigotry and tribalistic. The same Peter Obi who is so empty receiving above 80%.

I swear the Igbo's did not try at all

dgr8truth:
In my conversation with you I have been very respectful of you I expect you extend that same courtesy.

FYI I am not from the south east if you care to know.

Could you point out to where I disrespected you with my comments?

Again, I won't allow you to shift from what you started. Stick to it

But wether the south east gave Obi 100 percent or not, we. Can clearly see that Tinubu has performed woefully..... Are we not feeling the heat already.

dgr8truth:
This morning, while going through a thread titled “Regional Distribution of Votes in the 2023 Presidential Election” by blamingthedevil, I noticed a recurring narrative portraying the South East as tribalistic because of its overwhelming support for Peter Obi. That repeated characterization prompted a deep concern and compelled me to bring to our collective intellectual consciousness the dangerous implications of such a narrative.

In recent political conversations across Nigeria, this troubling claim has continued to gain traction. Some commentators—particularly from the South West—have attempted to label the South East as “tribalistic” simply because the region voted overwhelmingly for Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election.

This argument is not only unfair but dangerously hypocritical. A careful look at Nigeria’s own electoral history shows that strong regional voting patterns are not unique to the South East. In fact, they have been a consistent feature of Nigerian elections across all regions.

The 2015 Nigerian presidential election between Muhammadu Buhari of the APC and Goodluck Jonathan of the PDP revealed clear regional voting patterns across the country.

2015 Presidential Election by Geopolitical Zone

Geopolitical Zone APC (Buhari) PDP (Jonathan)

North-West 83% 16%
North-East 78% 22%
North-Central 59% 40%
South-West 56% 42%
South-South 8% 91%
South-East 7% 91%


The data tells a clear story: every region of Nigeria voted overwhelmingly for one candidate or another. The North-West and North-East gave massive support to Buhari, while the South-South and South-East overwhelmingly supported Jonathan.

Yet at that time, the national conversation did not revolve around accusing entire regions of tribal bigotry.

Why then is the South East suddenly being singled out today?

If voting overwhelmingly for a candidate from one's region is evidence of tribalism, then by the same logic many regions across Nigeria would be guilty of the same charge.

The truth is that voting behavior in Nigeria—like in many democracies around the world—is influenced by history, trust, perceived competence, and political alignment. Regional identity can play a role, but it is far from the only factor.

To isolate one region and label millions of citizens as tribal bigots because of their electoral choice is not analysis; it is prejudice.

Democracy Allows Citizens to Choose Freely

In a democracy, citizens have the right to support any candidate they believe best represents their interests and aspirations. That is the essence of democratic freedom.

When people in the South East rallied behind Peter Obi, many believed he represented a different vision for governance, economic management, and national leadership. Their choice may be debated politically, but it should never be weaponized as evidence of ethnic intolerance.

Nigeria must remember the painful lessons of the Nigerian Civil War. That conflict was fueled by mistrust, propaganda, and ethnic suspicion.

The international community has also seen how dangerous such narratives can become. The Rwandan Genocide showed the catastrophic consequences of sustained ethnic demonization.

When public discourse begins to portray entire populations as tribalistic or disloyal, it plants seeds of division that can grow into something far more dangerous.

Political leaders must recognize the danger of these narratives and act responsibly. During his presidency, Goodluck Jonathan demonstrated a level of political tolerance that helped stabilize the nation during highly contested elections.

Today, the government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu carries a similar responsibility. Protecting national unity requires confronting rhetoric that stigmatizes entire regions or ethnic groups.

Narratives that portray one region as inherently tribalistic are not just political opinions—they can become threats to national cohesion.

Nigeria’s democracy will only mature when citizens learn to debate politics without demonizing entire communities. Strong regional voting patterns are not new; they are part of Nigeria’s political reality.

What is new—and dangerous—is the attempt to stigmatize one region for doing what every other region has done at different times in the country’s democratic journey.

The real threat to Nigeria is not how people vote.

The real threat is the deliberate attempt to turn electoral choices into ethnic accusations that divide the nation and bully citizens into electoral silence.

Nigeria must reject such narratives if it hopes to build a stable, united, and mature democracy.

The pattern has remained the same ever since in south east for ages the only difference is the ibo attempt to gaslight everybody to vote their candidate.

Precious201010:
But wether the south east gave Obi 100 percent or not, we. Can clearly see that Tinubu has performed woefully..... Are we not feeling the heat already.

The worst of Tinubu is 1000% better than Peter Obi

Let me dare you, post just one video where Peter Obi was asked about anything related to governance and he answered coherently

I am not asking for 2 videos, just 1 is okay

helinues:
The worst of Tinubu is 1000% better than Peter Obi

Let me dare you, post just one video where Peter Obi was asked about anything related to governance and he answered coherently

I am not asking for 2 videos, just 1 is okay

Why have you reduced the theme of the write up to Tinubu and Obi. That is not the issue I address.

I have not in away put forward a preferred presidential candidate in 2027, but you are psychologically bullying me to pick your preferred candidate for 2027.

dgr8truth:
Why have you reduced the theme of the write up to Tinubu and Obi. That is not the issue I address.

I have not in away put forward a preferred presidential candidate in 2027, but you are psychologically bullying me to pick your preferred candidate for 2027.

Stop being quarter clever guy. I responded to something by someone.

You saw my response to you but probably still cracking your head as you don't know what to respond. They are actually 2 but you ignored

Stop the quarter cleverness

helinues:
Stop being quarter clever guy. I responded to something by someone.

You saw my response to you but probably still cracking your head as you don't know what to respond. They are actually 2 but you ignored

Stop the quarter cleverness

You are quite funny!

dgr8truth:
[quote author=helinues post=138680014]The worst of Tinubu is 1000% better than Peter Obi

Let me dare you, post just one video where Peter Obi was asked about anything related to governance and he answered coherently

I am not asking for 2 videos, just 1 is okay

Boss, you are funny. How exactly does your response relate to the theme of the article?

Did the article compare the performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Excellency Peter Obi?

You can judge for yourself who is actually being “clever” only in his imagination.

dgr8truth:
You are quite funny!

But you saw what I was responding to? Was my response to that person incoherent to you?

Eventually, you are no longer interested in discussing what you created this thread for.

Noted though. I don't need to waste my time engaging with you as you are short of substance

Ire oo

helinues:
The worst of Tinubu is 1000% better than Peter Obi

Let me dare you, post just one video where Peter Obi was asked about anything related to governance and he answered coherently

I am not asking for 2 videos, just 1 is okay

Has Tinubu Ur master ever answered any question coherently? Even when his running mates were telling us what they intend doing differently, Tinubu only said it was his turn to rule..

Precious201010:
Has Tinubu Ur master ever answered any question coherently? Even when his running mates were telling us what they intend doing differently, Tinubu only said it was his turn to rule..

Sebi you go to school, at least secondary school.

Don't you understand the meaning of daring?

Don't sound wayward and respond to the challenge

helinues:
But you saw what I was responding to? Was my response to that person incoherent to you?

Eventually, you are no longer interested in discussing what you created this thread for.

Noted though. I don't need to waste my time engaging with you as you are short of substance

Ire oo

And he bolted!!!

You don't need to explain anything to any moronic 🤡.

Let them say!

OP You don't waste your time on a slowpoke. You call them what they are and go your way.

Kdon2:
The pattern has remained the same ever since in south east for ages the only difference is the ibo attempt to gaslight everybody to vote their candidate.

Was the South-East and South-West ethnically bigoted in 1993 when they largely supported Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola against Bashir Tofa during the 1993 Nigerian presidential election?

It seems we often suffer from very short political memory in this country—especially when the facts do not support the narrative we want to push.

Regional voting patterns have existed in Nigerian politics for decades. Selectively condemning one region today while ignoring historical precedents only weakens the credibility of the argument.

helinues:
But you saw what I was responding to? Was my response to that person incoherent to you?

Eventually, you are no longer interested in discussing what you created this thread for.

Noted though. I don't need to waste my time engaging with you as you are short of substance

Ire oo

dgr8truth:
Was the South-East and South-West ethnically bigoted in 1993 when they largely supported Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola against Bashir Tofa during the 1993 Nigerian presidential election?

It seems we often suffer from very short political memory in this country—especially when the facts do not support the narrative we want to push.

Regional voting patterns have existed in Nigerian politics for decades. Selectively condemning one region today while ignoring historical precedents only weakens the credibility of the argument.

What is the narrative now, or you are just focused on President Tinubu and Peter Obi.

helinues:
But you saw what I was responding to? Was my response to that person incoherent to you?

Eventually, you are no longer interested in discussing what you created this thread for.

Noted though. I don't need to waste my time engaging with you as you are short of substance

Ire oo

When will you ever make sensible comment on Nairaland? Spit

helinues:
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION OF VOTES IN THE 2023 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

North Central:
🔵Tinubu — 40.03%
🟣Obi — 32.18%
🔴Atiku — 26.42%
🟠Kwankwaso — 1.37%

North East:
🔴Atiku — 51.71%
🔵Tinubu — 35.19%
🟣Obi — 9.35%
🟠Kwankwaso — 3.75%

North West:
🔵Tinubu — 40.08%
🔴Atiku — 35.35%
🟠Kwankwaso — 19.25%
🟣Obi — 5.31%

South East:
🟣Obi — 89.42%
🔵Tinubu — 5.83%
🔴Atiku — 4.17%
🟠Kwankwaso — 0.38%

South South:
🟣Obi — 44.09%
🔵Tinubu — 29.13%
🔴Atiku — 26.15%
🟠Kwankwaso — 0.63%

South West:
🔵Tinubu — 55.77%
🔴Atiku — 23.04%
🟣Obi — 20.78%
🟠Kwankwaso — 0.41%

🔵APC 🟣LP 🔴PDP 🟠NNPP

89% is more than bigotry, its tribalistic

You guys should endeavor to the thinking your thoughts through before rushing to post on social media.

The analysis above erased whatever epistle you might have written as it's all false

But the same people voted for Falae against their own in 2003. Go and check history.

Omowale2023:
But the same people voted for Falae against their own in 2003. Go and check history.

You could have posted votes with %.

Now, kindly do

Some people are funny.

The South-East voted Obasan, Yaradua, Jonathan, Atiku

But the minute they voted one of their own, Peter Obi, they became tribalistic ?

Crazy people everywhere