Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Jega, has called on political leaders to avoid desperation and focus on issue-based campaigns as Nigeria prepares for the next general elections.
Jega made the appeal while delivering a lecture at the 2nd International Conference organised by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the Federal University Dutse (FUD). Speaking on the theme “Challenges of Nation Building in the 21st Century,” he stressed the need for leadership rooted in integrity, competence, and a clear vision for national development.
Represented by Basiru Musa Makarfi, Jega warned politicians against prioritising personal ambition and party interests over national unity, peace, and democratic principles. He urged them to abandon the “do-or-die” approach to elections, describing the process as one meant to select capable and credible leaders, not a battlefield.
He also encouraged Nigerians to make informed choices by electing candidates who demonstrate accountability, integrity, and a genuine commitment to public service.
Jega emphasised that effective governance depends on leaders who uphold transparency, respect the rule of law, and can bring people together for collective progress.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of FUD, Ahmad Muhammed Gumel, represented by the University Librarian Ahmed Mohammed, praised the keynote speaker and other contributors for their insights. He also urged Nigerians to embrace unity, patriotism, and shared responsibility as essential elements for sustainable development.
The conference brought together participants from academia, traditional institutions, the security sector, and civil society to discuss key challenges facing nation-building, including corruption, weak institutions, insecurity, poor governance, and the effects of globalisation.
As part of the event, several notable Nigerians were honoured for their contributions to national development, including Yusuf Buratai, Suleiman Abba, and Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i.