Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Jega, has called on political actors in Nigeria to abandon desperation and focus on issue-based campaigns as the country prepares for another round of general elections.
Jega made the appeal while delivering a lecture at the 2nd International Conference hosted by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the Federal University Dutse (FUD). Represented by Dr. Basiru Musa Makarfi, he stressed that leadership must be built on integrity, competence, and a clear roadmap for national development.
Speaking on the theme, “Challenges of Nation Building in the 21st Century,” Jega cautioned politicians against prioritizing personal ambition and partisan interests over national unity and democratic stability.
He warned that elections should not be approached as a “do-or-die” affair, but rather as a democratic process for electing leaders with proven character and capacity. According to him, credible leadership remains essential for sustainable governance and national progress.
Jega also challenged Nigerians to play an active role by electing leaders who demonstrate accountability, integrity, and a genuine commitment to public service. He emphasized that leadership is a responsibility that must always serve the people’s interests.
Highlighting the pillars of good governance, he noted that honesty, transparency, respect for the rule of law, and inclusiveness are key to fostering unity and driving national development.
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 insightful perspectives. He urged Nigerians to embrace unity, patriotism, and collective responsibility as foundations for sustainable growth.
The conference attracted participants from academia, traditional institutions, the security sector, and civil society, who examined major challenges to nation-building such as corruption, weak institutions, insecurity, poor governance, and the effects of globalization.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to distinguished Nigerians for their contributions to national development. Notable recipients included former Chief of Army Staff, Yusuf Buratai (rtd); former Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba; and former Minister of Education, Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i, among others.
