Ahead of the 2027 general elections, former President Goodluck Jonathan has warned politicians that as they do politics, they must place national interest above party loyalty and sectional considerations, declaring that Nigeria is greater than any political party and politician in the country.
According to Jonathan, politicians must know that politics can only be played when there is a peaceful Nigeria, stressing that the country is bigger than the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) and other political parties.
Speaking yesterday at the 5th National Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria in Abuja, the former President who called for national unity, stronger democratic institutions and greater commitment to good governance, said that former deputy governors have a responsibility to deploy their experience in order to promote national development.
The conference, which runs from October 20 to 21, is themed, “Rethinking Nation-Building: Bridging the Leadership-Citizen Disconnect Through Orientation, Attitude, Character, Culture and Tradition Towards Sustainable Development.”
Jonathan, who was represented by a former Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Bala Ngilari, warned that ethnic, religious and regional divisions remained major obstacles to Nigeria’s political development, just as he reminded all that political office is temporary, but its consequences can shape generations, making it imperative for former public office holders to guide emerging leaders on integrity, accountability and responsible leadership.
He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, citing the resilience and creativity of its people, particularly young Nigerians, whom he said needed opportunities to work, innovate and prosper.
He said, “One major obstacle to Nigeria’s political development is division along ethnic, religious and regional lines. We must rise above these differences and promote politics founded on competence, Integrity, inclusion and national interest.
“Nigeria must always be greater than any political party, individual or sectional interest.”
The former President who served as deputy governor and governor of Bayelsa State before becoming vice-president and president of the country noted that his experience had taught him the importance of consultation, teamwork and strong institutions, just as he urged former deputy governors to promote cordial relationships between serving governors and their deputies, mentor younger politicians and discourage divisive politics.
Jonathan said, “As a former deputy governor and governor of Bayelsa State before becoming vice president and subsequently president of Nigeria, I understand the opportunities and challenges associated with the office of deputy governor.
“The experience teaches patience, loyalty, consultation and teamwork. Above all, it reminds us that governance is not about one individual but about strong institutions and service to the people.”
Earlier in his remarks, the National Chairman of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN), Dr Chris Alozie Akomas challenged political leaders to abandon arrogance and embrace accountability, warning that power without character is destructive and governance without empathy is empty.
Akomas who identified the widening gap between political leaders and citizens as a major obstacle to Nigeria’s development, said sustainable development could not be achieved through policies, budgets and administrative reforms alone without a fundamental change in the attitudes, values and conduct of those entrusted with public responsibility.
According to Akomas, the disconnect between leaders and the people they govern has spread across government institutions, communities and families, weakening the collective effort needed to build a prosperous nation.
“We cannot build a lasting future on a foundation of indifference,” he said.
The former deputy governor who maintained that leadership should be measured by the commitment to serving the people, particularly the vulnerable, rather than the privileges and influence attached to public office, said, “Leadership is not a badge of immunity; it is a higher standard of accountability,” he said, urging public officeholders to replace arrogance with humility and responsibility.
“Power without character is destructive, while governance without empathy is an empty shell.”
Akomas who noted that Nigeria’s development challenges required more than new laws and government programmes, stressed that national renewal must begin with integrity, ethical conduct and a commitment to the common good, just as he warned that public trust would remain elusive if leaders continued to ignore the everyday struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
