Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai have issued fervent appeals for national unity and the embrace of shared values as Nigerians observe the 2025 Christmas celebrations. Their separate but concordant messages, conveyed via the social media platform X, underscored the critical importance of cohesion amidst the nation’s contemporary challenges. This bipartisan call from two influential political figures highlights a persistent longing for solidarity within Nigeria’s diverse populace.
Atiku Abubakar, a prominent voice in Nigerian politics, specifically addressed Christian adherents, characterising Christmas as a profound reminder of essential virtues. He emphasised love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and compassion, identifying these as values critically needed in Nigeria’s current historical juncture. His message resonated with a call for introspection and a recommitment to the collective destiny of the nation.
The former Vice President implored citizens to transcend existing divisions, actively work towards healing historical wounds, and foster mutual embrace. He urged Nigerians to view the festive season not merely as a period for celebration, but as an opportune moment for quiet reflection and earnest prayer. Abubakar articulated a desire for divine guidance, seeking peace, justice, and a renewed sense of hope for the country’s future.
Complementing this sentiment, Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, encouraged Nigerians to celebrate by upholding the values that intrinsically bind the nation. He stressed the importance of acknowledging Nigeria’s identity as “one nation under God,” thereby reinforcing a sense of collective belonging and shared purpose. El-Rufai extended traditional wishes for a Merry Christmas and joyful holidays to all citizens.
These pronouncements arrive as Nigeria joins the global Christian community in marking Christmas 2025, a period universally recognised for its emphasis on spiritual reflection, family reunions, and charitable acts. In a nation as ethnically and religiously diverse as Nigeria, such appeals from leading political figures often carry significant weight, aiming to bridge divides and foster a spirit of national cohesion during a time of collective observance.
The unified tone from Abubakar, a stalwart of the opposition, and El-Rufai, a key figure from the ruling party, underscores a bipartisan recognition of the imperative for national integration. Their messages transcend typical political rhetoric, positioning the call for unity as a foundational necessity for Nigeria’s progress and stability. This convergence of appeal from different political spectra lends gravitas to the message.
Nigeria, a nation grappling with multifaceted issues ranging from security challenges and economic pressures to socio-ethnic tensions, frequently benefits from such high-level calls for unity. Leaders often leverage significant national holidays to deliver messages that transcend partisan lines, aiming to inspire a collective resolve among citizens to overcome obstacles and work towards a common good.
Throughout its history, Nigeria has navigated complex internal dynamics, making national unity a recurrent theme in its leadership discourse. The messages from Atiku and El-Rufai echo a long-standing tradition of appealing to the populace’s shared humanity and national identity, especially during moments of national reflection or celebration, to reinforce the bonds that hold the federation together.
Such calls serve not only as moral exhortations but also as implicit acknowledgements of the responsibilities leaders bear in shaping national narratives. By advocating for reconciliation and shared values, these figures contribute to setting a tone that encourages dialogue, understanding, and collective problem-solving among Nigeria’s diverse communities.
The festive season, imbued with themes of renewal and hope, provides an apt backdrop for these powerful appeals. As the nation looks beyond the immediate celebrations, the underlying message is a poignant reminder of the continuous effort required to build a resilient, peaceful, and unified Nigeria, grounded in mutual respect and collective aspiration.
