A former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (Attahiru Jega) has called on political actors to avoid desperation and adopt issue-based campaigning ahead of the next general elections.
Jega made the call while speaking as guest lecturer at the second International Conference organised by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Federal University Dutse, where he stressed that leadership must be grounded in integrity, competence, and a clear vision for national development.
Delivering a lecture titled “Challenges of Nation Building in the 21st Century,” the former INEC boss represented by Dr. Basiru Makarfi, warned against allowing personal ambition and partisan interests to override national peace, unity, and democratic values.
He stated: “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.”
Jega also urged citizens to prioritise credible leadership, saying: “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 emphasised that effective governance depends on honesty, transparency, respect for the rule of law, and the ability of leaders to unite diverse interests for collective progress.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of FUD, Professor Ahmad Gumel, represented by the University Librarian, Ahmed Mohammed, commended the lecture and other presentations, describing them as insightful and thought-provoking.
He also urged Nigerians to embrace unity, patriotism, and shared responsibility as essential foundations for sustainable national development.
