What Jerry Gana told Tinubu in a new media outing
*”Be a statesman, not politician seeking to grab power”
By OUR REPORTER
Gana’s remarks followed Turaki’s allegation that some APC members had made statements capable of encouraging political violence and intimidation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, has told President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demonstrate statesmanship by prioritising national unity, peace and stability over personal and partisan political interests.
Gana made the appeal on Sunday in Abuja at a press conference convened by the factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Turaki.
He said the President’s responsibility extends beyond leading the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stressing that Tinubu must recognise his position as the father of the nation and leader of all Nigerians.
The former minister urged the President to resist any action capable of destabilising the country, even if such action might appear to advance the interests of his party.
Supporting Turaki’s appeal to the President, Gana said the framers of the Nigerian Constitution assigned three important responsibilities to the President.
He said Tinubu must demonstrate responsible leadership by safeguarding the country’s security, stability and territorial integrity while ensuring the welfare of Nigerians.
“And therefore, Mr chairman is appealing to the president to be a statesman at this point in time, not just purely a politician to grab power and move,” Gana said.
He added: “If you grab power and Nigeria is in crisis, what do you benefit? It’s extremely important that the health, security, integrity, stability, and goodness of the Nigerian people are maintained. This is why we are appealing, not because we are afraid.
“Responsible leadership means the president is also head of state. And the third thing is that he is commander-in-chief.”
Gana’s remarks followed Turaki’s allegation that some APC members had made statements capable of encouraging political violence and intimidation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Turaki expressed concern over the rising political tension in the country, calling on the President to provide responsible leadership and prevent developments that could plunge Nigeria into crisis.
“Nigeria is bigger than anybody and the ambition of any individual. We must appreciate that this country must survive for you to become whatever you want to become,” Turaki said.
He warned that political ambitions must not be placed above the survival of the country, noting that a major crisis in a nation with an estimated population of 250 million could trigger a humanitarian emergency with far-reaching consequences.
The PDP factional chairman also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to guarantee a level playing field for all political parties participating in the 2027 elections.
He maintained that intimidation, killings, attacks and blackmail could not guarantee genuine electoral victory, urging political actors to embrace peaceful and democratic engagement.
