By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
The National Legal Adviser (NLA) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barrister Murtala Aliyu Kankia, has urged Nigerians to recognise the gains recorded under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration while demanding sustained accountability and delivery as the country presses ahead with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Kankia made the call in his Eid-ul-Mawlid message to Muslims, using the occasion to link the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) with the responsibilities of political leadership, governance and citizenship.
The APC NLA said the principles contained in the party’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which provides the policy foundation of the Tinubu administration, should remain central to efforts to transform Nigeria through economic reforms, infrastructure development, human capital investment, security and social protection.
He urged Nigerians to look beyond partisan arguments and assess government policies by their impact on the economy, livelihoods, infrastructure, education, security and opportunities available to citizens.
According to Kankia, the reforms being implemented by the Tinubu administration are aimed at repositioning the Nigerian economy and laying the foundation for sustainable growth, adding that citizens should support policies that advance national development while holding government accountable for results.
He said the Eid-ul-Mawlid celebration provides an opportunity for Nigerians, particularly political leaders, to reflect on the values of justice, honesty, compassion, consultation and responsible leadership exemplified by Prophet Muhammad.
APC NLA stressed that these values should guide political conduct as Nigeria gradually moves towards the 2027 general elections, warning politicians against placing personal ambition above national interest.
He urged APC members and other political actors to make the forthcoming electoral contest a battle of ideas, policies and development records rather than one driven by religious, ethnic or inflammatory sentiments.
The APC NLA said the Tinubu administration’s economic reform programme, infrastructure drive and investments in human capital must be communicated to Nigerians with facts, while areas requiring improvement should receive constructive criticism.
“Leadership is a responsibility, not merely a privilege. The Renewed Hope Agenda must continue to be driven by policies that improve the lives of Nigerians, while those in government must remain accountable to the people,” he said.
Kankia called on Nigerians to support the administration’s efforts to strengthen the economy, expand infrastructure, improve education and skills development, enhance security and deepen social protection.
He, however, emphasised that support for government must not replace accountability, urging public officials to remain responsive to citizens and ensure that policies translate into measurable improvements in people’s lives.
With political activities expected to intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, APC NLA cautioned politicians against turning political competition into a source of division.
He urged aspirants and party supporters to pursue their ambitions within the framework of the law and democratic institutions, stressing that Nigeria’s stability must take precedence over individual political calculations.
The APC NLA also appealed to religious leaders to use their platforms to promote peaceful coexistence and responsible citizenship and to discourage hate speech, violence and political manipulation.
He particularly warned young Nigerians against allowing themselves to be used as instruments of political violence, urging them to participate actively and peacefully in the democratic process.
Kankia further urged Muslims to pray for President Tinubu, other national leaders and the peace and progress of Nigeria, saying the country requires collective effort to overcome its challenges.
He said the lessons of Eid-ul-Mawlid should extend beyond the celebration, with Nigerians embracing justice, tolerance, compassion, patriotism and service to humanity.
The APC NLA felicitated the Muslim Ummah on the occasion and prayed for peace, prosperity and stability across Nigeria.
He expressed optimism that the country would approach the 2027 elections with greater political maturity, with candidates judged increasingly on their ideas, records and capacity to deliver rather than divisive rhetoric.
Kankia said the ultimate measure of any government or political leadership should be its ability to improve the welfare of citizens and strengthen the country’s future.
“As we celebrate Eid-ul-Mawlid, let us remember that leadership is service. We must continue to support what is good for Nigeria, demand accountability where necessary, and place the national interest above personal and political ambition,” he said.
