Obi Hails Badenoch As New Britain’s Conservative Leader

Posted by Thandiubani on Mon 04th Nov, 2024 - tori.ng

Badenoch on Saturday won the election to replace Rishi Sunak. She is the first person of African heritage to lead the Tories.

Peter Obi has called on Nigerians to move above tribalism and religious bias to seek qualified leaders for government positions.

This is as he commended Kemi Badenoch following her election as Britain’s new Conservative Party leader.

Badenoch on Saturday won the election to replace Rishi Sunak. She is the first person of African heritage to lead the Tories.

The Conservative Party announced her win in a post on X on Saturday.

”ANNOUNCED: @KemiBadenoch has been elected Leader of the Conservative Party,” the party tweeted.

Badenoch, 44, beat Robert Jenrick after a four-month contest after Sunak’s resignation.

The vote saw a turnout of 72% according to Conservative MP Bob Blackman.

Reacting, Obi in a post on Sunday, described her win as a powerful testament to the global potential of Nigerian and African youth.

“The gratifying news of the election of a Nigerian-born @KemiBadenoch as the leader of the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom cannot come at a better time than now that events in the country are making Nigerians doubt their potential.

“Badenoch’s election is a powerful testament to the global potential of Nigerian and African youth.

“Her success showcases the strength of diversity and underscores the possibilities achievable when competence, capacity, integrity, and inclusivity are prioritised.

“This accomplishment is both inspiring and a wake-up call, highlighting the leadership paradox in Nigeria, where younger leaders with proven competence, capacity, and integrity often remain sidelined in favour of older figures who lack the same drive and qualities that the younger ones bring to the table.

“As we celebrate Kemi’s achievement, let us use it as a catalyst for change within our leadership landscape.

“It is time to move past outdated traditions of tribalism, religious bias, and the “my turn” syndrome and foster an environment that values competence, capacity, integrity, fresh perspectives, and forward-thinking leadership.

“Embracing a new generation of leaders can pave the way for a better future for Nigeria and Africa. Congratulations, Kemi Badenoch.”