Former President Goodluck Jonathan and other prominent Nigerian statesmen have called for stronger democratic institutions, constitutional reforms, credible elections and accountable leadership, warning that sustainable national development depends on aligning governance with citizens’ aspirations.
The call featured at the fifth National Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN), ongoing in Abuja themed, “Rethinking Nation-Building for Sustainable Development: Bridging the Leadership/Citizenship Disconnect.”
Jonathan, the Forum’s grand patron, represented by former Adamawa State Governor Bala James Ngilale, urged political leaders to rise above ethnic, religious and regional divisions.
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“Nigeria must always be greater than any political party, individual or sectional interest,” he said.
Drawing on his experience as deputy governor, governor, vice-president and president, Jonathan emphasised teamwork, institutional strength and service to citizens.
He urged former deputy governors to mentor emerging leaders, encourage constructive dialogue among serving governors and deputies, and support constitutional reforms.
In his keynote paper, former federal minister Professor Jerry Gana outlined practical recommendations for sustainable nation-building, identifying peace and security, justice and equity, constitutional accountability, clear development goals and value-based leadership as priorities.
Gana advocated secure borders and protection of lives and property, alongside equitable access to healthcare, food and affordable housing.
He urged leaders to implement the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy and pursue measurable development targets.
“WELL DONE is far better than WELL SAID,” he declared, stressing the need to translate national visions into tangible outcomes.
On economic transformation, Gana recommended investment in education, science, engineering, technology and management to strengthen Nigeria’s productive capacity.
Citing Malaysia’s palm oil industry, he urged the country to harness its agricultural potential and revive the development vision associated with the National Agricultural Land Development Authority.
He also proposed attracting six trillion dollars in foreign investment over four years, targeting one trillion dollars for each geopolitical zone.
On democratic governance, Gana warned against interference with institutions, including the judiciary and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“If you destroy them, democracy itself will die,” he cautioned, arguing that Nigeria’s challenge was not citizens’ rejection of good governance but a seeming non-reflection of popular aspirations.
In separate interviews with Voice of Nigeria, former Akwa Ibom State Governor Victor Attah, who was one of the recipients of the FFDGN 2026 Nation Builder’s Award, similarly called for constitutional and electoral reforms, adjudging the candidate selection processes by political parties and the disconnect between elections and citizens’ sovereignty.
“We must rethink our constitution,” Attah said, urging Nigerians to vote in 2027 and ensure their votes count.
Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria Ali Muhammad Ali urged voters to assess candidates on merit rather than divisive considerations.
“Elections come and go, the country remains,” he said, calling on the media to promote national cohesion and intensify vigilance against misinformation and artificial intelligence-driven fake news.
The conference reinforces calls for institutional integrity, inclusive governance, productive investment and leadership that places national interest above partisan considerations.
