By Stella Odueme
The National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barrister Murtala Aliyu Kankia, has called on Nigerians to support policies that promote national development while demanding accountability and improved service delivery from government.
Kankia made the call in his Eid-ul-Mawlid message to Muslims, urging Nigerians to draw lessons from the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), particularly on justice, compassion, honesty, consultation and responsible leadership.
He said the values associated with the Prophet should continue to guide political leaders, public officials and citizens as the country implements the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The APC National Legal Adviser said Nigerians should assess government policies based on their tangible impact on livelihoods, economic growth, infrastructure, education, security and opportunities for citizens, rather than through partisan considerations.
According to him, the reforms of the Tinubu administration are intended to reposition the economy and create the foundation for sustainable development, urging citizens to support initiatives that advance national interests while constructively demanding better results from government.
Kankia also called on political leaders to place national interest above personal ambition, particularly as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He urged politicians and political parties to focus on ideas, policies and records of achievement, rather than exploiting ethnic, religious or other sentiments capable of deepening divisions.
“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.
The APC chieftain urged the Federal Government to sustain efforts in economic reform, infrastructure development, education, skills acquisition, security and social protection, while ensuring that the benefits of such initiatives translate into measurable improvements in citizens’ welfare.
He stressed, however, that supporting government policies should not amount to abandoning accountability, noting that public officials must remain responsive to the needs and concerns of Nigerians.
Kankia further appealed to religious leaders to use their platforms to promote peaceful coexistence, tolerance and responsible citizenship, while discouraging hate speech, violence and political manipulation.
He particularly advised young Nigerians not to allow themselves to be used for political violence, urging them to participate actively and peacefully in the democratic process.
The APC National Legal Adviser also called on political aspirants and their supporters to respect the law and democratic institutions, stressing that the stability and unity of Nigeria must remain more important than individual political ambitions.
He urged Muslims to use the Eid-ul-Mawlid occasion to pray for President Tinubu, other national leaders and the peace and prosperity of Nigeria.
Kankia expressed optimism that Nigeria would approach the 2027 elections with greater political maturity, with voters increasingly focusing on candidates’ ideas, records and capacity to deliver.
He said the ultimate test of leadership should be its ability to improve the welfare of citizens and build a stronger future for the country.
“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.