By Adamu Abuh, Abuja

Ahead of the 2027 poll, the former Nigeria’s permanence representative to the United Nations, Prof Ibrahim Gambari has called on the citizenry to consider merit and competence in the selection of occupants of the exalted seats of the President and Governors of the 36 states of the federation.

Gambari, who was the Chief Presenter at the launch of the book entitled: ‘According to The President: lessons from a Presidential Spokesman experience” written by Malam Garba Shehu, the former Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, called on the citizenry not to be indifferent in the selection of those who govern the country.

He stated that the quality of leadership in the country largely reflects the wishes and aspirations of Nigerians, who participate in the selection process during party primaries and at the polls.

“If you think that’s not our business, that we are not politicians, and it’s not a big deal, then it’s wrong. I am not a politician myself. But the country’s business is our business, security is our business, yes, we hold the leader responsible, we have to take responsibility as a leader, and no leader is there without the support of the people,” he said.

Recalling how Nigeria’s founding fathers in the mould of Sir Ahmadu Bello, Tafawa Balewa and Chief Obafemi Awolowo mentored the upcoming generation of Nigerians in those days, he called on those entrusted with the leadership of the country to sustain the trend in the interest of the country.

Gambari, who was the Chief of Staff to former President Buhari, further emphasised the need for the citizenry to complement the efforts of those entrusted with leadership to maintain peace and ensure good governance.

The esteemed academic and diplomat of international standing stated that Nigeria remains a land where dreams are realised, citing himself and Amina Mohammed, Nigeria’s Deputy Secretary-General of the UN, as reference points.

At the event attended by the former Head of State, Gen Yakubu Gowon; former Vice President, Prof Yomi Osinbajo; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume; the Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero; and several other dignitaries, he paid heartfelt tribute to Shehu for portraying the Buhari-led administration positively.