By John Alechenu

National Chairman of the Labour Party, LP, Senator Nenadi Usman, has urged political leaders to shelve bitterness and make the 2027 elections a contest of ideas, not war.

Usman said this in Jos, the Plateau State capital, during the 80th birthday celebration of former Plateau and old Benue State Governor, Senator Jonah David Jang, yesterday.

This was contained in a statement signed by the LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, in Abuja, on Saturday.

Asogwa quoted the party leader as saying Nigeria’s survival depends on whether politicians can put the country above party and personal interests.

Usman said, “The next election should not be a battle against fellow Nigerians. It should be a contest of ideas, competence and character.

“When elections are over, we must all return to the same Nigeria. That is why patriotism must always be greater than politics.”

The LP chairman warned against inflammatory rhetoric and said political disagreement should not turn citizens into enemies.

She said, “Our political parties may be different, but our country is one. We owe future generations the responsibility of conducting politics without destroying the bonds that hold our nation.

“History does not remember those who shouted the loudest. It remembers those who built the strongest institutions, protected democracy and put their country first.”

She added: “We must disagree without becoming enemies. Democracy flourishes where there is tolerance, respect for differing opinions and an unwavering commitment to peace.”

Usman described Senator Jang as a patriot whose decades in military and democratic service earned him a place in Nigeria’s history.

She said Jang’s career reflects discipline, courage and sacrifice, first as a military officer and later as Governor of Plateau and Senator of the Federal Republic.

“At 80, Senator Jonah Jang represents a generation of leaders whose lives remind us that public office is ultimately about service, honour and legacy,” she said.

“We celebrate not only his longevity but also his enduring contributions to nation-building.”

Usman prayed for sound health and more years of service for the elder statesman.

The Jos event drew former governors, senators, traditional rulers and party chieftains who gathered to honour the former military governor.