Glory Ohagwu, Abuja
Former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has urged Nigeria’s political leadership to strengthen national unity, end governance discontinuity, and transform the country’s diversity into an asset, warning that abandoned projects, weak party ideology and institutional deficiencies continue to undermine sustainable development.
Ganduje made the call at the fifth National Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN), holding in Abuja, from October 20 to 21, 2026, with the theme, “Rethinking Nation-Building: Bridging the Leadership-Citizen Disconnect through Orientation, Attitude, Character, Culture and Tradition for Sustainable Development.”
He said nation-building required deliberate efforts to overcome historical divisions and build a shared national identity.
“It is, therefore, our responsibility, as time progresses, to come together, believe in Nigeria and turn our diversity into an asset rather than a liability,” Ganduje said.
He criticised the abandonment of projects by successive administrations, including governments belonging to the same political party, describing the practice as inimical to development.
“There is, therefore, no continuity. Yet, continuity leads to consolidation, and consolidation leads to sustainable development,” he stated.
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Ganduje also expressed concern over the absence of clear ideological distinctions among political parties, arguing that political defections driven by personal interests weakened democratic institutions. He called for stronger institutions and judicial reforms.
Former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari, chairman of the occasion, said rebuilding public confidence was central to effective governance, stressing that public office must be treated as a trust.
“Leaders must recognise that public trust is earned through service, fairness and accountability,” Masari said.
He warned against demanding patriotism and sacrifice from citizens while tolerating injustice and unequal standards among public officials. He urged leaders to listen, explain policies, accept criticism and correct mistakes, while encouraging traditional and religious institutions to promote dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
Former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, conference co-chair, identified the disconnect between policy formulation, implementation and citizens’ everyday experiences as a major obstacle to national development.
“Nation building can only succeed when leaders and citizens operate in the same world – a social contract built on trust, accountability, inclusion, and shared responsibility,” Okowa said.
He called for people-centred development, transparent communication on public spending and policy outcomes, and greater inclusion of young people, women, persons with disabilities and disadvantaged communities in decision-making.
“Nation building is the collective responsibility of everyone who calls this country home, and not the exclusive responsibility of those who occupy public office,” he added.
FFDGN National Chairman, Dr Chris Alozie Akomas, described the leadership-citizen disconnect as a challenge extending beyond government to institutions, communities and families.
“Policies do not transform a nation, people do. Budgets do not build a society, character does,” Akomas said, urging Nigerians to place integrity, empathy and accountability at the centre of national renewal.
He stressed that leadership should impose higher standards of responsibility, not confer immunity, and urged the conference to produce practical recommendations rather than another collection of speeches.
FFDGN Director-General, Kenneth Ibe-Kalu, said the non-partisan forum had convened annual national conferences since 2022 to address governance and development challenges.
He called for stronger civic education and partnerships to translate deliberations into practical solutions.
“We must mirror society to our leaders and decisively halt current decadence by proactively promoting civic education, celebrating rectitude, and systematically checking indiscipline and untoward behavior in society,” Ibe-Kalu said.
The conference is expected to advance actionable approaches to rebuilding public trust, strengthening responsible leadership and fostering sustainable national development.
