Pat Utomi has urged Nigerians to rise above political differences and embrace national unity, saying only a united nation can reclaim its historic leadership role in Africa and drive the continent’s development and prosperity.

Mr Utomi, a political economist, spoke on Thursday in Abuja after his inauguration as chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) national reconciliation committee.

The NDC national chairman, Cleopas Moses, inaugurated the committee, which was constituted to reconcile aggrieved aspirants following the party’s primaries ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said Nigeria’s future depended on political leaders placing national interest above personal ambitions, warning that selfishness and political narcissism are weakening national unity and slowing Africa’s development and global competitiveness.

Mr Utomi said Africa remained largely perceived through the lens of political instability despite its abundant resources, youthful population, and vast economic potential capable of transforming the continent into a global investment destination.

He urged political actors to embrace reconciliation, describing disagreements over party nominations as insignificant compared with the responsibility of rebuilding Nigeria and creating opportunities for future generations across Africa.

He also challenged the NDC to become a youth-driven movement, stressing that Nigeria’s youthful population requires deliberate investment in emerging leaders rather than prolonged disputes over political offices and nominations.

Earlier, the NDC national chairman inaugurated the reconciliation committee, saying its mandate is to rebuild confidence among members and resolve grievances arising from congresses, the convention, and the party primaries.

Mr Moses said the committee would ensure that dissatisfied aspirants remained committed to the party, insisting that every member has a role in strengthening the NDC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He urged party leaders nationwide to cooperate with the committee, maintaining that unsuccessful aspirants remain valuable assets whose contributions will strengthen the party’s campaign and electoral prospects across the country.

The co-chairman of the committee, Buba Galadima, accepted the assignment, describing reconciliation as challenging while attributing many disputes to provisions of the Electoral Act governing party primary elections.

Mr Galadima pledged fairness and patriotism in engaging aggrieved aspirants, urging members to place Nigeria’s interest above personal ambition and support efforts to strengthen the party before the 2027 general elections. 

(NAN)