A prominent chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party, Humphrey Abah, has called on Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of sacrifice, love and peaceful coexistence as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim, urging citizens to place national unity and collective progress above personal, religious and political interests.
Abah made the call in his Eid-el-Kabir message to Muslim faithful across Nigeria and the world, describing the sacred festival as a season of solemn reflection and an opportunity for citizens to reassess the country’s present realities and challenges.
According to him, Eid-el-Kabir represents not only a spiritual exercise rooted in obedience and sacrifice, but also a timely reminder for Nigerians to recommit themselves to the ideals of patriotism, tolerance, compassion and national responsibility.
He noted that despite Nigeria’s enormous human and natural endowments, the country continues to grapple with avoidable economic, political and social setbacks caused largely by selfish interests and lack of sincere commitment to national development.
Abah lamented that certain individuals and groups who fail to appreciate the greatness and potential of the country have continued to frustrate efforts aimed at achieving meaningful progress for personal and political gains.
“Nigeria remains a great and blessed nation with immense opportunities and potential, but unfortunately, some people who do not understand the greatness of this country continue to undermine economic and political gains because of selfish ambitions and interests,” he stated.
The PDP stalwart stressed that Nigerians must begin to demonstrate genuine sacrifice and love toward one another irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation, insisting that national unity remains indispensable to sustainable growth and development.
He condemned in strong terms those exploiting ethnic and religious differences to sow discord, hatred and suspicion among citizens, describing such individuals as enemies of the state who derive satisfaction from the hardship and suffering confronting ordinary Nigerians.
According to him, the increasing weaponization of religion and ethnicity for political and sectional interests poses a serious threat to national peace and cohesion.
“It is unfortunate that some persons are fueling hostility and division among Nigerians using religion and ethnicity. Such people are enemies of the state because they are comfortable seeing the people suffer instead of promoting unity and progress,” he added.
Abah further called on well-meaning Nigerians, community leaders, religious bodies and political actors to intensify efforts toward promoting peace, harmony and mutual understanding across the country, noting that no nation can attain meaningful development in an atmosphere of tension, distrust and insecurity.
As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, he urged politicians and party faithful across political divides to conduct themselves responsibly and avoid actions capable of overheating the polity.
He emphasized that political ambition should never take precedence over the wellbeing of the people and the stability of the nation, urging leaders and aspirants to embrace issue-based engagements and patriotic conduct.
The politician also expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in parts of the country, describing the wave of insecurity as alien to the peaceful nature and communal heritage of Nigerians.
He appealed to citizens, security stakeholders and policymakers to come forward with practical, innovative and workable solutions that can help address the growing security challenges confronting the nation.
According to him, one of the greatest demonstrations of sacrifice and patriotism is for leaders and political actors to temporarily set aside personal ambitions and focus more on policies and initiatives capable of driving economic growth, stability and national development.
Abah maintained that the country urgently needs leaders and citizens who are willing to prioritize the collective interest above narrow political calculations.
He therefore felicitated with Muslims on the occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration and prayed for peace, safety and a hitch-free celebration across the country amid existing security concerns.
He also expressed hope that the season would inspire Nigerians toward greater unity, tolerance and renewed commitment to building a more peaceful and prosperous nation.
