Senator Nenadi Usman, the National Chairman of the Labour Party, has called on political leaders across the country to embrace patriotism, tolerance and issue-based politics as Nigeria gradually prepares for another electoral cycle.
Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the 80th birthday celebration of former Governor of Plateau State and former Governor of old Benue State, Senator Jonah David Jang, held in Jos on Friday, Senator Usman said the nation’s progress would largely depend on the willingness of its political class to place national interest above personal and partisan considerations.
According to her, while political competition remains an essential ingredient of democracy, it must never be allowed to degenerate into bitterness, hatred or the destruction of the country’s social fabric.
She said:
“The next election should not be a battle against fellow Nigerians. It should be a contest of ideas, competence and character. When elections are over, we must all return to the same Nigeria. That is why patriotism must always be greater than politics.”
