The National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Senator Nenadi Usman, has advised politicians against turning the contest for the 2027 elections into a theatre of war, suggesting rather that ideas should drive the process.
The former Minister of Finance noted that bitterness would not grow the country, calling on contestants to think less of themselves and generate ideas that would transform Nigeria to greatness.
She made her remarks while speaking in Jos, the Plateau State capital, during the 80th birthday celebration of Senator Jonah David Jang, according to a statement released in Abuja on Saturday by the National Publicity Secretary of the LP, Mr Ken Asogwa.
Jang, a seasoned administrator and politician, had previously served as the governor of both Benue and Plateau states.
According to Usman, Nigeria as a whole will be better off if politicians shelve their personal interests and push for the collective goals of building a strong nation by not making the elections a do-or-die affair.
Usman said, “The next election should not be a battle against fellow Nigerians. It should be a contest of ideas, competence and character.
“When elections are over, we must all return to the same Nigeria. That is why patriotism must always be greater than politics.”
She also kicked against the antics of politicians pitting Nigerians against one another just to create the false impression that they hate one another.
“Our political parties may be different, but our country is one. We owe future generations the responsibility of conducting politics without destroying the bonds that hold our nation.
“History does not remember those who shouted the loudest. It remembers those who built the strongest institutions, protected democracy and put their country first”, the former minister stated.
“We must disagree without becoming enemies. Democracy flourishes where there is tolerance, respect for differing opinions and an unwavering commitment to peace.”
She paid tribute to Jang, noting that as a patriot, he had served the nation in his professional capacity as a military officer and in retirement as a civilian for many years.
Usman pointed out that those years saw him serving as a governor twice and a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“At 80, Senator Jonah Jang represents a generation of leaders whose lives remind us that public office is ultimately about service, honour and legacy”, the LP chairman added.
“We celebrate not only his longevity but also his enduring contributions to nation-building.”