APC chieftain and Executive Director of Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development, Sani Shinkafi, says Nigeria’s ethnic and regional diversity continues to influence presidential elections alongside candidates’ policies and leadership records.
Speaking during an interview on TVC News on Monday, July 6, 2026, Shinkafi said the leading candidates in the 2023 presidential election reflected the country’s diverse regional and ethnic composition.
During the interview, he stated, “Peter Obi, who appears to come from the Southeast, is of Igbo extraction,” while discussing the ethnic backgrounds of the major presidential candidates.
Shinkafi argued that Nigeria’s elections are shaped by several factors, including regional interests, party structures, governance records and political alliances. While ethnic identity plays a role in political discourse, he said voters also assess candidates based on their performance, leadership qualities and ability to address national challenges.
He expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would remain competitive ahead of the 2027 general election, citing the party’s nationwide presence and ongoing government initiatives. Shinkafi also urged political actors to focus their campaigns on national development, economic growth and security rather than divisive issues.
