2027: Ex-head of State, Abubakar tasks Nigerians to eschew politics of bitterness

By Daniel Ebi, Minna.

The Former Nigerian Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, has called on Nigerians to embrace politics without bitterness and promote peaceful coexistence capable of creating an enabling environment for the emergence of credible leaders.

General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.) made the appeal shortly after observing the two raka’at Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the Minna Eid Prayer Ground in Minna on Wednesday.

The elder statesman stressed that peace remains the foundation for meaningful national development, noting that no society can attain sustainable growth in an atmosphere of division, hatred, and political intolerance.

According to him, Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious, or political affiliations, must continue to pray and work for the unity and stability of the country.

“Without peace, there can be no meaningful development. Nigerians must learn to play politics without bitterness and place national interest above personal or sectional interests,” he said.

General Abdulsalami further urged citizens to continue offering prayers for the nation, especially at a time when the country is grappling with economic and security challenges.

He prayed to Allah to grant Nigeria lasting peace, stability, unity, and prosperity, while also congratulating Muslims across the country on the successful celebration of Eid-el-Kabir.

Also speaking after the prayers, Mohammed Umar Bago called on Muslims to imbibe the lessons of sacrifice, obedience, and tolerance associated with Eid-el-Kabir.

Governor Bago urged Nigerians to pray for divine forgiveness and national rebirth, expressing optimism that the country would overcome its present socio-economic difficulties.

He said the nation’s greatness could only be restored through love, mutual respect, unity, and collective responsibility among citizens.

“We must continue to pray for Nigeria and support one another. Better days are ahead, and with patience, unity, and faith, Nigeria will rise again,” the governor stated.

The governor further appealed to citizens not to lose hope in the country, urging them to remain patriotic and committed to nation-building.

Among dignitaries who observed the Eid prayers at the prayer ground were former Niger State Governor, Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu; the Emir of Minna, Umar Faruk Bahago; Mohammed Ibrahim Babangida, son of former Military President Ibrahim Babangida; 

The Commissioner of Police in Niger State, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman; members of the Niger State Executive Council; top government officials; traditional rulers; security chiefs; and thousands of Muslim faithful.

The Eid prayer was led by renowned Islamic cleric, Malam Habibu Mai Basira, who offered prayers for peace, unity, security, and economic recovery in Nigeria.