THE EYES OF THE WORLD ARE ON THE FOLLOWING ELDER STATESMEN OF NIGERIA IN A TIME LIKE THIS 2027 ELECTIONS: SOUTH EAST POLITICAL INFLUENCE ORGANIZATION CHAIRMAN-ELECT, SIR MADUAKOLAM KENNETH ADIGHIBE, CALLS ON ELDER STATESMEN TO SAVE NIGERIA

Maduakolam made the appeal during an all-statesmen conference, where he called on former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, and former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku to use their experience and influence to promote peace, justice and national unity.

Describing the four elder statesmen and their contributions to Nigeria, Maduakolam referred to Obasanjo as “The Blunt Truth Teller,” Gowon as the symbol of “No Victor, No Vanquished,” Abdulsalami Abubakar as “The Chief Peace Maker,” and Anyaoku as a “Diplomat and Voice of Restructuring.”

According to Maduakolam, the elder statesmen have earned considerable respect through their service to the country, both in uniform and outside it, and their voices remain important in addressing Nigeria’s present challenges.

“When you speak, the President listens; when you speak, the youths listen; and when you speak, the world listens,” Maduakolam stated.

He maintained that the elder statesmen possess the experience and national recognition needed to encourage dialogue, demand justice and promote peaceful coexistence without creating further divisions among Nigeria’s diverse communities.

2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS: MADUAKOLAM WARNS OF RISING POLITICAL TENSIONS

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, Maduakolam expressed concern over the political atmosphere, citing economic hardship, youth frustration, political tension, and growing ethnic and religious divisions.

He observed that many Nigerians are increasingly concerned about the country’s future and urged the elder statesmen to intervene before these challenges further undermine national unity.

“Your intervention right now will save Nigeria from totally falling apart. Nigerians trust you because you do not belong to any political party; rather, you belong to Nigeria. We know you have retired, but Nigeria needs your voice now more than ever,” he appealed.

Maduakolam urged the former national leaders to encourage political stakeholders to put national interest above partisan considerations and work towards peaceful, credible and inclusive elections in 2027.

INSECURITY IN THE MIDDLE BELT REQUIRES URGENT ATTENTION

The Chairman-Elect also expressed concern over insecurity across Nigeria, particularly conflicts involving farmers and herders in Plateau, Benue and Taraba states, alongside banditry and other security threats affecting communities across the country.

He compared the current security situation with earlier periods of national leadership, arguing that urgent and coordinated efforts were necessary to protect lives, restore public confidence and strengthen peaceful coexistence.

Maduakolam warned that the foundations of national unity built by previous generations of leaders must not be allowed to deteriorate.

He called on the elder statesmen to lend their voices to initiatives aimed at addressing the underlying causes of insecurity, promoting justice and encouraging reconciliation among Nigerians.

MADUAKOLAM ADVOCATES POLITICAL INCLUSION FOR THE SOUTH EAST

Reflecting on General Yakubu Gowon’s philosophy of “No Victor, No Vanquished,” Maduakolam expressed the hope that the elder statesmen would witness the emergence of a Nigerian president from the South East geopolitical zone during their lifetime.

He argued that greater political inclusion could help address concerns about fairness, representation and national belonging, while contributing to peace and stability.

According to him, a united Nigeria must be built on the principles of equity, justice and equal opportunities for citizens from every geopolitical zone to participate in national leadership.

He maintained that national unity would be strengthened when Nigerians across all regions felt a genuine sense of belonging and confidence in the country’s political system.

“SAVE NIGERIAN SOULS BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE”

In an emotional appeal, Maduakolam urged the four elder statesmen to listen to the concerns of ordinary Nigerians and use their experience to help prevent further loss of lives and deterioration of the country’s security situation.

“God must have a good reason why He gave you long life and good health. Do not keep watching your children die before you. Nigeria needs your voices, wisdom and experience now more than ever,” he appealed.

He warned that prolonged economic hardship, insecurity and social divisions could deepen tensions within communities and families if urgent and effective measures were not taken.

Maduakolam called on political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organizations and other stakeholders to work collectively towards building a peaceful, secure and united Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He concluded by emphasizing that protecting human lives, promoting justice, ensuring inclusive leadership and preserving national unity must remain priorities as the country prepares for another crucial electoral period.