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Laour Party National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, on Saturday issued a passionate appeal to Nigeria’s political class to abandon divisive politics and embrace patriotism, warning that the country’s democratic future depends on leaders placing national interest above personal and partisan ambitions ahead of the next general elections.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 80th birthday celebration of former Plateau State Governor and elder statesman, Senator Jonah David Jang, in Jos, Usman declared that elections should be contests of ideas, competence and character rather than platforms for hatred, bitterness and political hostility.
She cautioned that while political rivalry remains the lifeblood of democracy, it must never be allowed to threaten Nigeria’s unity or destroy the social bonds holding the nation together.
“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 said.
The Labour Party chairman insisted that Nigerians deserve leaders capable of uniting the country instead of deepening existing divisions, stressing that political differences must never override the collective responsibility of safeguarding national cohesion.
According to her, the country’s future rests on leaders willing to build bridges across political, ethnic and religious divides while rejecting inflammatory rhetoric capable of undermining democratic stability.
She urged politicians and their supporters to conduct campaigns with civility and mutual respect, arguing that history ultimately celebrates leaders who strengthen democratic institutions and place national development above political expediency.
Usman further maintained that democracy thrives where dialogue, tolerance and respect for opposing views prevail, warning that intolerance and hostility pose grave dangers to democratic governance.
She said disagreements should strengthen democratic institutions rather than weaken national unity, insisting that peaceful political engagement remains the foundation of every enduring democracy.
Reflecting on the significance of Senator Jang’s 80th birthday, the Labour Party leader described the former military officer, governor and senator as a patriot whose decades of public service have left an enduring imprint on Nigeria’s political evolution.
She praised Jang’s record of discipline, sacrifice and dedication to national service, saying his life represents a lasting example of honour, leadership and commitment to nation-building.
Usman also prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the elder statesman, wishing him sound health and many more years of service to the nation.
