Former INEC Chairman Attahiru Jega Issues Urgent Appeal to Political Actors Ahead of 2027 Elections
Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Jega, has broken his silence with an urgent appeal to political actors across Nigeria. Speaking at a significant academic conference, Jega warned against inflammatory rhetoric and emphasized the critical need to prioritize national interest over personal ambition as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Jega's Call for Credible Leadership and Democratic Ideals
While delivering a lecture titled "Challenges of Nation Building in the 21st Century" at the 2nd International Conference organized by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Federal University Dutse (FUD), Jega stressed that democracy must be driven by integrity. He was represented at the event by Dr. Basiru Musa Makarfi, who conveyed his powerful message to attendees.
"As we approach another electoral cycle, politicians must abandon the 'do-or-die' approach and commit to democratic ideals," Jega declared through his representative. "Elections should not be a battleground, but a process for choosing leaders of character and proven capacity."
The former INEC boss emphasized that sustainable governance depends on honesty, transparency, adherence to the rule of law, and the ability of leaders to unite diverse interests for national progress. He particularly warned against placing personal ambition above the collective welfare of the nation.
University Leadership Echoes Call for Unity and Patriotism
The Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Dutse, Professor Ahmad Muhammed Gumel, represented by University Librarian Ahmed Mohammed, commended Jega's lecture as timely given Nigeria's current political climate. Professor Gumel urged Nigerians to strengthen unity and patriotism, noting that collective responsibility remains essential for sustainable national development.
The conference brought together scholars, security officials, traditional leaders, and civil society actors to examine obstacles to nation-building. Participants discussed critical issues including corruption, weak institutions, insecurity, governance gaps, and the effects of globalization on Nigeria's development trajectory.
Awards Ceremony Recognizes National Contributors
The event also featured the conferment of awards on notable Nigerians recognized for their contributions to national development. Among the distinguished recipients were former Chief of Army Staff, Yusuf Buratai (rtd); former Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba; and former Minister of Education, Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa'i, alongside other awardees who have made significant impacts in various sectors.
Context and Background
Jega's intervention comes amid growing political tension as Nigeria approaches the 2027 electoral cycle. His remarks carry particular weight given his experience overseeing Nigeria's electoral process during his tenure as INEC chairman from 2010 to 2015.
The former INEC chairman also called on Nigerian citizens to actively participate in the democratic process by electing credible candidates. "Nigerians must also rise to the occasion by electing credible candidates—individuals with integrity, accountability, and a demonstrable commitment to public service," he emphasized. "Leadership is a trust, and those entrusted with it must prioritize the welfare of the people."
This conference and Jega's statements represent a significant intervention in Nigeria's political discourse as the nation prepares for another crucial electoral cycle. The emphasis on moving away from divisive politics toward issue-based campaigns and national unity reflects growing concerns about political stability and democratic consolidation in Africa's most populous nation.
