Nigeria’s political leaders on Thursday called for greater patriotism, loyalty and bridge-building in public service, saying the country’s democratic stability depends on leaders who place national interest above personal ambition.

The call came at the 60th birthday celebration and public presentation of the biography of the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Durosinmi Meseko, held yesterday in Abuja.

Leading the charge, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, described Meseko as a symbol of national unity whose political relationships transcend ethnic, religious and regional divides.

Barau said the gathering of political leaders and associates from across the country reflected the need for Nigerians to embrace inclusive politics capable of strengthening national cohesion.

“I call him my brother because he is a patriotic Nigerian, a highly dedicated Nigerian. You can see people from all walks of life gathered here today because of his disposition. He is a pan-Nigerian, someone who is at home with everybody,” he said.

According to him, loyalty, commitment and selfless service remain indispensable qualities for effective leadership and sustainable democratic development.

Representing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy House Leader Halims Abdullahi said Meseko’s contributions to strengthening the APC in Kogi State and his record in public service demonstrate the importance of committed party leadership in deepening Nigeria’s democracy.

He also announced a ₦10 million donation on behalf of the Speaker and the House of Representatives towards the launch of Meseko’s biography, while another ₦20 million was pledged on behalf of the Speaker and his associates.

Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), said integrity, professionalism and consistency remain critical values for nation-building, describing Meseko as a public servant who had maintained the same principles throughout his career in journalism, corporate communications, legislative service and party administration.

Recalling their first meeting about three decades ago when he was Military Administrator of Lagos State, Marwa said Meseko distinguished himself through diligence, intelligence and loyalty.

“He had a rare gift of making every room he entered feel like it mattered most. He spoke with conviction, listened with intention and worked with a kind of quiet, relentless dedication that produced results where others produced excuses,” he said.

Marwa urged leaders at all levels to emulate such values, stressing that Nigeria requires individuals who combine intellectual capacity with unwavering commitment to public service.

“He has never allowed the winds of circumstance to blow him off course. At every stage, he has asked not merely, ‘What can I gain?’ but, ‘What can I give?'” he added.

Also speaking, APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori, said loyalty and dedication remain the foundation of strong political institutions, describing Meseko as a dependable party stalwart whose contributions have earned the respect of the APC National Working Committee.

Dalori announced a ₦25 million donation on behalf of the party’s National Working Committee to support the launch of the biography, saying the gesture reflected the party leadership’s appreciation of Meseko’s years of commitment and service.

The event attracted senior political leaders, lawmakers, government officials, party stakeholders and supporters from across the country, with speakers describing the celebration as a reminder of the role integrity, patriotism and inclusive leadership must play in Nigeria’s democratic journey.