2027 election should be contest of ideas, not war – Nenadi Usman

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Nenadi Usman

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By John Alechenu

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National Chairman of the Labour Party, LP, Senator Nenadi Usman, has urged political leaders to shelve bitterness and make the 2027 elections a contest of ideas, not war.

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Usman said this in Jos, the Plateau State capital, during the 80th birthday celebration of former Plateau and old Benue State Governor, Senator Jonah David Jang, yesterday.

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This was contained in a statement signed by the LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, in Abuja, on Saturday.

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Asogwa quoted the party leader as saying Nigeria’s survival depends on whether politicians can put the country above party and personal interests.

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Usman said, “The next election should not be a battle against fellow Nigerians. It should be a contest of ideas, competence and character.

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“When elections are over, we must all return to the same Nigeria. That is why patriotism must always be greater than politics.”

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The LP chairman warned against inflammatory rhetoric and said political disagreement should not turn citizens into enemies.

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She said, “Our political parties may be different, but our country is one. We owe future generations the responsibility of conducting politics without destroying the bonds that hold our nation.

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“History does not remember those who shouted the loudest. It remembers those who built the strongest institutions, protected democracy and put their country first.”

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She added: “We must disagree without becoming enemies. Democracy flourishes where there is tolerance, respect for differing opinions and an unwavering commitment to peace.”

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Usman described Senator Jang as a patriot whose decades in military and democratic service earned him a place in Nigeria’s history.

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She said Jang’s career reflects discipline, courage and sacrifice, first as a military officer and later as Governor of Plateau and Senator of the Federal Republic.

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“At 80, Senator Jonah Jang represents a generation of leaders whose lives remind us that public office is ultimately about service, honour and legacy,” she said.

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“We celebrate not only his longevity but also his enduring contributions to nation-building.”

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Usman prayed for sound health and more years of service for the elder statesman.

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The Jos event drew former governors, senators, traditional rulers and party chieftains who gathered to honour the former military governor.

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