Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd), has explained why he has chosen not to affiliate with any political party or participate in partisan politics.
The 90-year-old elder statesman shared his reasons on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the League of Northern Democrats (LND), led by former Kano State Governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau.
Gowon emphasized that his sole allegiance is to Nigeria, a commitment shaped by his military background, which instilled in him the principle of serving the nation above all else. He urged Nigerians to prioritize national unity over regional or partisan interests, adding that differing opinions should not hinder collective efforts to address the country’s challenges.
“I’ve always believed in adopting the best ideas, whether from socialism, capitalism, or other ideologies, and applying them for the greater good,” Gowon said. “During my time in government, diverse perspectives were valued, but decisions were always made in the interest of the people and the nation.”
He cautioned against a return to divisive regional politics, where different regions prioritized their own interests, stressing that any political action must serve Nigeria as a whole. Gowon explained that his support for the creation of multiple states during his administration was aimed at preventing the dominance of any one region and fostering national unity.
“The north had to make sacrifices to address fears of domination by one region, particularly given the size and population of the north,” he said. “This approach was informed by extensive consultations with political leaders, traditional rulers, and various groups.”
Gowon recalled that during his leadership, the fear of northern dominance almost led to secessionist movements across the regions—the west, the east, and even the north. His advocacy for state creation, he explained, was driven by the need to prevent the country from fragmenting into separate nations.
“If we had allowed it, what would we call ourselves today? We might have ended up with separate nations—Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, or others. But Nigeria’s diversity is a strength, and if we can unite despite our differences, we can achieve the country we all envision,” he said.
The elder statesman expressed sadness over the challenges facing the north, including insecurity and the activities of extremist groups such as the Lukurawa from Mali, which he said have exacerbated the region’s problems.
General Gowon, who ruled Nigeria from 1966 to 1975 before being ousted in a military coup, remains a prominent voice advocating for unity and national development.
