By Naomi Sharang
Prof. Pat Utomi, a political economist, has urged Nigerians to rise above political differences and embrace national unity, saying only a united country can reclaim its leadership role in Africa and drive development.
Utomi spoke on Thursday in Abuja after his inauguration as Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) National Reconciliation Committee.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NDC National Chairman, Sen. Cleopas Moses, inaugurated the committee to reconcile aggrieved aspirants following the party’s primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Utomi said Nigeria’s future depended on political leaders prioritising national interest over personal ambitions, warning that selfishness and political divisions were undermining unity and limiting the country’s potential.
He said Africa was often judged by political instability in spite of its vast natural resources, youthful population and economic potential that could position the continent as a major global investment destination.
The political economist urged political actors to embrace reconciliation, describing disagreements over party nominations as minor compared with the task of rebuilding Nigeria and creating opportunities for future generations.
He challenged the NDC to become a youth-driven movement, stressing the need for deliberate investment in emerging leaders rather than prolonged disputes over political offices and nominations.
Earlier, Moses said the reconciliation committee was established to rebuild confidence among party members and address grievances arising from congresses, conventions and primaries.
He said the committee would work to ensure that dissatisfied aspirants remained committed to the party, adding that every member had a role in strengthening the NDC ahead of the 2027 elections.
Moses urged party leaders across the country to cooperate with the committee, noting that unsuccessful aspirants remained valuable assets whose contributions would enhance the party’s prospects.
The Co-Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Buba Galadima, described the assignment as challenging, attributing some party disputes to provisions of the Electoral Act guiding primary elections.
Galadima pledged fairness and patriotism in handling complaints from aggrieved aspirants, urging members to put national interest above personal ambition and support efforts to strengthen the party.(NAN)
Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman