Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Jega, has called on political actors to avoid excessive ambition and embrace issue-based campaigns as Nigeria prepares for another electoral cycle.
Jega, who spoke on Thursday while delivering a lecture titled “Challenges of Nation Building in the 21st Century”at the Federal University Dutse, where he was represented by Dr. Basiru Musa Makarfi.
This is as he cautioned politicians against prioritising personal interests over national stability, stressing the need to uphold democratic values and peaceful engagement.
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He said, “As we approach another electoral cycle, politicians must abandon the ‘do-or-die’ approach and commit to democratic ideals.
“Elections should not be a battleground, but a process for choosing leaders of character and proven capacity,” he said.
The former INEC bossalso urged Nigerians to take responsibility in the democratic process by electing credible leaders with integrity and a commitment to public service.
“Nigerians must also rise to the occasion by electing credible candidates, individuals with integrity, accountability, and a demonstrable commitment to public service.
“Leadership is a trust, and those entrusted with it must prioritise the welfare of the people,” he added.
He emphasised that sustainable governance depends on transparency, respect for the rule of law, and the ability of leaders to unify diverse groups for collective progress.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Ahmad Muhammed Gumel, represented by the University Librarian, Ahmed Mohammed, commended the keynote address and urged citizens to embrace unity, patriotism, and shared responsibility.
Participants at the conference, drawn from academia, security agencies, traditional institutions, and civil society, examined challenges to nation-building, including corruption, weak institutions, insecurity, and governance deficits.
The event also featured the recognition of notable Nigerians for their contributions to national development, including former Chief of Army Staff, Yusuf Buratai; former Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba; and former Minister of Education, Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i.
