JONATHAN URGES POLITICIANS TO PUT NIGERIA ABOVE PARTY LOYALTY AND SECTIONAL INTERESTS

By NaijaParrot October 21, 2026 

 ABUJA, NIGERIA — Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged Nigerian politicians to place national interest above party loyalty, individual ambitions and sectional considerations, warning that ethnic, religious and regional divisions continue to undermine the country’s political development. Jonathan made the call on Tuesday at the fifth national conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria in Abuja, where he emphasised the importance of national unity, responsible leadership and stronger democratic institutions. The former president was represented at the event by Bala Ngilari, a former deputy governor of Adamawa State.

Jonathan urged politicians to rise above divisive interests and embrace a political culture built on competence, integrity, inclusion and service to the country. He said ethnic, religious and regional divisions remained major obstacles to Nigeria’s political progress. “Nigeria must always be greater than any political party, individual or sectional interest,” he declared. His remarks come as political activities and discussions surrounding the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum across the country. 

 Reflecting on his experience in public office, Jonathan said governance should not revolve around individuals but should be supported by strong institutions, consultation and teamwork. Having served as deputy governor and governor of Bayelsa State before becoming vice-president and president, he said his political journey had taught him the importance of patience, loyalty and collaboration. He urged former deputy governors to use their experience to promote effective governance, mentor younger politicians and encourage constructive relationships between serving governors and their deputies. Jonathan also stressed that political office was temporary, but decisions taken by public officials could affect future generations. He called on former officeholders to guide emerging leaders towards integrity, accountability and responsible leadership. 

 Former Kano State Governor and immediate past national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, also called on Nigerians to embrace their diversity and strengthen their sense of national identity. Ganduje expressed concern that ethnic considerations had continued to influence political activities and weaken efforts towards national integration. He urged Nigerians to turn the country’s diversity into an advantage rather than allow differences to become sources of division. Ganduje also criticised the lack of continuity between successive administrations, noting that political disagreements between outgoing and incoming governors sometimes resulted in the abandonment of ongoing projects and programmes. He argued that maintaining continuity in governance was necessary for sustainable development. 

 Former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who also addressed the conference, said the growing gap between government policies and citizens’ everyday experiences had weakened public trust. He maintained that nation-building required accountability, inclusion and shared responsibility between leaders and citizens. Okowa’s remarks highlighted concerns about whether government policies adequately reflect the needs and expectations of Nigerians. The conference brought together former deputy governors and other political figures to discuss governance, democratic development and the responsibilities of political leaders. Jonathan’s central message was that political competition and party affiliation should not overshadow the collective interest of the Nigerian people. 

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