Nigeria must lead Africa’s renaissance, rise above petty political differences - Utomi

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has inaugurated a National Reconciliation Committee tasked with resolving internal disputes arising from its recent congresses and primaries, ahead of the 2027 general elections. Party leaders are urging aggrieved members to prioritize national interest above personal ambitions to facilitate the rebuilding of Nigeria.

Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, Committee Chairman Prof. Pat Utomi described the exercise as crucial not only for resolving internal disagreements but also for strengthening the party's capacity to rebuild Nigeria. Utomi, a political economist, asserted that Nigeria must transcend its internal political divisions to regain its leadership position in Africa. He warned that personal ambition and self-interest have consistently hampered national development, emphasizing that the country's future hinges on political actors placing collective interests above individual aspirations.

"I feel humbled and challenged by this assignment because I know that the future of our country rests on it in very many ways, more than we immediately imagine," Utomi stated. He observed that Africa is globally perceived through the lens of political instability, despite its significant economic potential. Utomi shared insights from discussions with international investors and policymakers, highlighting that the continent's vast natural resources and youthful population position it to drive global economic growth, provided its leaders embrace unity and development.

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I feel humbled and challenged by this assignment because I know that the future of our country rests on it in very many ways, more than we immediately imagine.

Utomi also urged party members to adopt the African philosophy of Ubuntu, assuring that no aspirant involved in the NDC's formation would be left without a role in building a greater Nigeria. "There is nobody who entered this process that will not have a place in building a greater Nigeria. Some who did not secure nominations today may eventually become even greater champions in other capacities," he said. He further challenged the party to focus on youth development, noting the need for visionary leadership to deliver long-term national transformation for Nigeria's large youth population.

Alhaji Buba Galadima, Co-Chairman of the committee, acknowledged the challenges in reconciling aspirants, attributing many primary disputes to provisions within the current Electoral Act. He argued that the existing legal framework complicates seamless candidate selection processes for opposition parties. Galadima recalled his past experience as National Secretary of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), where prolonged litigation following the party's 2011 primaries led to a court judgment against him after the party's merger into the All Progressives Congress (APC). He encouraged aggrieved aspirants to emulate the late Mallam Aminu Kano by accepting reconciliation.

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There is nobody who entered this process that will not have a place in building a greater Nigeria. Some who did not secure nominations today may eventually become even greater champions in other capacities.