Tinubu urges unity, warns against ethnic division
*Danjuma donates N3bn, Dangote gives N500m at memoir launch
Isaac Samuel
Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, on Tuesday cautioned politicians against desperation and “do-or-die” politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that Nigeria would survive its current challenges.
Gowon spoke in Abuja during the public presentation of his autobiography, My Life of Duty & Allegiance, where he reflected on Nigeria’s political history, democratic journey and prospects for national unity.
The autobiography was reviewed by Matthew Kukah and presented by former Defence Minister, Theophilus Danjuma.
The former military ruler, who governed Nigeria between 1966 and 1975, described 2026 as a significant year marking six decades since military intervention in governance and since he assumed office at a critical moment in the country’s history.
“On my watch as Head of State, the country did not fall, and I am confident that the nation, despite all its challenges, still will not fall,” Gowon declared.
He warned political actors against undermining democratic stability as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
“Today, Nigeria has again launched another cycle of preparations towards the general elections in 2027. It goes without saying that we all must rise to contain the desperation frequently exhibited by the political class who engage in what they love to call ‘do or die’ politicking,” he said.
Gowon also criticised persistent shortcomings in the electoral process, including what he described as the inability of political parties to conduct transparent internal elections.
According to him, Nigerians must resist divisive narratives and reject attempts to portray the country as a failed state.
“We must not give room to naysayers who see no good in our nation and would rather label it a ‘failed State,’” he added.
Explaining why he decided to publish the memoir, Gowon said he wanted to preserve historical records and address misinformation surrounding his role in Nigeria’s history.
He said repeated rumours about his death and persistent calls for him to document his experiences eventually convinced him to write the book.
“As you can attest today, these reports, to paraphrase the writer Mark Twain, were ‘exaggerated,’” he joked.
The elder statesman stressed that the autobiography was not intended to attack anyone or reopen old political battles.
“I only needed to tell my truth, not join issues with anyone or sit in judgment over what might be considered right or wrong,” he said.
Gowon maintained that his faith in Nigeria’s unity remained unwavering.
“I cannot say it loudly enough that my belief in the long-term survival of Nigeria is total because my love for the country is beyond question,” he stated.
Speaking at the event, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appealed for peace, reconciliation and national unity, warning that ethnic and religious divisions threaten the country’s future.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu urged Nigerians and religious leaders to work towards healing divisions across the country.
“I ask, I beseech, and I beg you in the name of God, for the sake of the last man standing, let us unite as a people,” he said.
Quoting civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr., the President added: “Let us learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”
Tinubu said Gowon represented a symbol of national unity whose life challenged ethnic and religious stereotypes.
“General Yakubu Gowon represents a deep paradox to the merchants of division. Here was a Christian son of the North, a child of the North-Central, a soldier accepted across lines that others try to harden into walls in Nigeria,” he said.
According to the President, Gowon’s autobiography offers younger Nigerians an opportunity to understand leadership beyond political slogans.
“It offers all of us a warning that countries do not endure by accident. They endure because, in moments when collapse appears possible, some men and women choose duty over banditry,” Tinubu added.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan described Gowon’s famous declaration of “no victor, no vanquished” after the Civil War as the foundation for reconciliation and national healing.
“Today’s event is not merely the unveiling of a book. It is the presentation of a living testimony. It reflects a leader who stood at the centre of some of the defining moments in our national journey,” Jonathan said.
He also praised Gowon for establishing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), noting that the scheme helped bridge ethnic divides among young Nigerians.
“The vision of the NYSC was great and it will continue to remain great. The youth corps scheme was meant to unite our nation and help us live as one Nigeria,” he said.
In his review, Kukah revealed that important records used for the autobiography were destroyed in separate fire incidents in Bakori and Kaduna, forcing Gowon to rely heavily on memory and recollection.
“The records that survived and which he kept were destroyed in two fire incidents—one in Bakori and the other in Kaduna,” Kukah said.
He noted that the memoir spans 36 chapters and about 850 pages, covering major periods in Gowon’s military and political career.
Kukah also recounted portions of the book detailing Gowon’s return from exile, including challenges involving property ownership and political negotiations at the time.
At the event, Danjuma donated N3 billion towards the launch and directed that copies of the book be distributed to universities that had honoured Gowon with honorary doctorate degrees.
“Gen. Gowon is not only a household name in Nigeria but also a globally acknowledged leader with an impeccable record in leadership, nation-building and military strategy,” Danjuma said.
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, announced the purchase of 25 copies of the book for N500 million in honour of the former Head of State.
Dangote said Gowon’s efforts in keeping Nigeria united created the stable environment that enabled many Nigerians, including himself, to thrive.
Also speaking, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang described Gowon as a compassionate statesman whose humanity and integrity defined his legacy.
The event attracted prominent political leaders, traditional rulers, diplomats, academics, business executives, serving and retired military officers, as well as members of the media community.
