By Priscilla Osaje
Dr Abubakar Fakai, an aspirant for the Federal House of Representatives position on the platform of African Democratic Congress (ADC), has called on Nigerian politicians to put the interests of the country above personal and political gains.
Fakai made the call while speaking with newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja, urging political parties and candidates to focus on issues capable of contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.
He said political office should be regarded as a responsibility to the people rather than an avenue for personal enrichment or the pursuit of individual interests.
According to him, politicians seeking elective positions must demonstrate a genuine commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerians and strengthening the country’s democratic institutions.
Fakai urged political aspirants to move away from money politics, stressing that elected officials have a responsibility to serve the people and contribute to national development.
He said all political actors had important roles to play in building a better Nigeria, regardless of their political affiliations or individual ambitions.
The ADC aspirant also appealed to Nigerians not to allow financial inducements to determine their political choices during elections.
He urged voters to protect their democratic rights by carefully evaluating the credibility, competence and track records of candidates before supporting them.
Fakai encouraged Nigerians to support political aspirants with good ideas while also holding elected officials accountable for the promises made during election campaigns.
He said citizens had an important responsibility to demand accountability and ensure that elected representatives delivered on their campaign promises.
He further called on political aspirants and party members to work together in the overall interest of the country rather than allowing personal differences to undermine national development.
According to Fakai, Nigeria’s democratic system provides citizens and political leaders with opportunities to review existing policies and make necessary changes whenever such policies fail to produce the desired results.
He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain free, fair and independent of political influence in the conduct of elections.
Fakai said an independent electoral process was essential to ensuring that Nigerians were able to freely exercise their constitutional right to choose their leaders.
He stressed the need for political actors, voters and electoral institutions to play their roles responsibly as the country moves towards the 2027 general elections.
He maintained that putting Nigeria first should remain the priority of all political parties, candidates and citizens.(NAN)
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab