A QUIET OBSERVER

Zainab Aderounmu

April 7, 2026

We’re slowly getting close to that time of year again. Yes, that time when the divisive lines among Nigerians intensely solidify. That time where we’re more aware of our differences and what divides us rather than what unites us.

The time we forget our common struggles and common wins. Suddenly, we remember only what tribe we belong to and what religion we practice, and how whoever leads us must be our own ‘brother’, regardless of whether he can deliver.

We forget the deaths, the lack of empathy, our collective struggle and constantly rising budgets. It’s almost as if we develop temporary amnesia when it’s that time. We remember only how tribes and tongues actually differ.

For some of us, we sit on the fence. We’re not quite sure who the best people to vote are. We sit still, watching our friends and colleagues gear up for a toxic fight. We sit silently, hoping and wishing for a third choice, an obvious one, this time. Like a Barack Obama of our time. Someone about whom we can say, “Obviously, I’m voting for Lagbaja. She’s the obvious choice.”

But I really can’t help but wonder, does this Lagbaja exist? We often say, “the leader is a reflection of the people.” And I can’t help but agree with that truth. People who habitually dump refuse in water bodies, people who stand at the edge of moving buses to pee into oncoming traffic, people who boldly declare in public spaces that they’ll embezzle larger sums if given the chance to lead for even a few months. A people who normalize fraud and glorify wealth disregarding the source.

I remember the last elections. The air was perpetually tense; long-term friendships got severed because of different choices. Siblings stopped speaking to one another and neighbors? Interestingly, these same people won’t do their work unless they’re tipped, and would run a red light, because nobody’s watching.

When will Nigeria be great, if Nigerians continue to be Nigerians?

Zainab ADEROUNMU A. W. is a First Class graduate of English Language and the Overall Best Graduating Student from the Lagos State University, Lagos Nigeria. She’s a professional Master of Ceremonies, known as The Hijabi Compere , a public speaking coach and Communications Professional. She is currently a Youth advisor to the European Union where she doubles as the Spokesperson and Head of Communications & PR for the Youth Sounding Board.