Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, rtd, has called on political leaders and Nigerians to place national unity, peaceful coexistence and the collective interest of the country above partisan considerations as political campaigns begin ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Babangida made the appeal when members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential and Gubernatorial Campaign Council in Niger State paid him a courtesy visit at his Hilltop residence in Minna on Wednesday.
He urged Nigerians to embrace peace, tolerance and mutual respect throughout the electioneering period, stressing the need to avoid actions capable of threatening the unity and stability of the country.
The former military leader also offered prayers for Niger State and Nigeria, expressing hope for a peaceful and successful electoral process.
The Director-General of the Campaign Council and former Deputy Governor of Niger State, Ambassador Ahmed Musa Ibeto, who led the delegation, thanked Babangida for his counsel, encouragement and prayers.
Ibeto assured the former military president that the APC Presidential and Gubernatorial Campaign Council, PGCC, would work to ensure that its campaigns remained issue-based and development-oriented, with the overall interest of Niger State as its central focus.
He added that the council would prioritise unity and peaceful coexistence among residents throughout the campaign period.