Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Middle Belt Forum (MBF), and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have called on governments at all levels to prioritise good governance, security, economic relief, and democratic accountability in 2026.
In separate New Year messages, the leaders and groups expressed concern over economic hardship, insecurity, corruption, and declining democratic standards, urging authorities to ensure that reforms translate into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.
Atiku: Hardship should trigger national awakening
Atiku Abubakar described 2025 as one of the most difficult years in recent history, marked by economic strain, insecurity, and what he called governance failures under the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.
He accused the Federal Government of poor economic management, rising debt, weakening democratic institutions, and worsening insecurity, including kidnappings and violent crimes. Atiku said Nigerians had endured unemployment, business closures, and rising hunger, urging citizens not to allow hardship to breed despair.
According to him, the suffering of Nigerians should become a catalyst for democratic renewal, stressing that change remains possible through peaceful and lawful electoral processes. He also warned against ethnic and religious divisions, describing unity as essential to national recovery.
Obi: Build a Nigeria that works for all
Peter Obi said 2026 should mark a genuine new beginning for Nigeria, anchored on accountability, transparency, compassion, and the rule of law. He called on public office holders to embrace truthfulness and see leadership as service rather than personal enrichment.
Obi urged governments to prioritise citizens’ welfare, particularly the poor and vulnerable, and to focus spending on healthcare, education, job creation, and productivity. He said national progress should be measured by improved living standards rather than rhetoric, expressing confidence that a better Nigeria is achievable.
CAN: Endurance is not approval
The Christian Association of Nigeria cautioned the Federal Government against interpreting Nigerians’ resilience as acceptance of hardship. In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN said economic reforms must deliver visible relief, including affordable food, accessible healthcare, quality education, and employment opportunities.
CAN expressed concern over persistent insecurity, including terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, and urged the government to intensify efforts to protect lives and property. The association also called for a clear and time-bound plan to resettle communities displaced by violence, stressing that national healing is incomplete while citizens remain uprooted.
The Christian body further urged restraint and fairness in fiscal and tax reforms, warning against policies that deepen the burden on struggling Nigerians.
MBF urges cautious optimism, strong opposition
The Middle Belt Forum advised Nigerians to approach 2026 with cautious optimism. In a message by its National President, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, the group cited recent international support in addressing insecurity and the introduction of a new tax regime as developments that could shape the year.
Dr. Pogu called for cooperation with government efforts to tackle insecurity, while stressing the importance of protecting democratic freedoms ahead of the 2027 elections. He expressed concern about the state of opposition parties, warning that a weak opposition could undermine democracy, and urged political actors to allow fair competition.
ACF calls for security, anti-corruption, good governance
The Arewa Consultative Forum urged governments to rise above political considerations and deliver effective governance. Its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Baba, said Nigerians entered 2026 with hope rather than high expectations, calling on leaders to act responsibly.
He emphasised the need to decisively address insecurity, correct economic and political distortions, and confront corruption in all forms. According to him, sincere governance and accountability are essential to restoring public confidence and national stability.
PDP: Protect lives, move beyond promises
The Peoples Democratic Party urged the Federal Government to prioritise the protection of lives and property, describing insecurity and economic hardship as daily realities for millions of Nigerians.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP said 2026 should mark a turning point defined by action rather than unfulfilled promises. The party also called on democratic institutions, including the judiciary and electoral body, to uphold their independence, warning that democracy cannot thrive where impunity prevails.
The PDP reaffirmed its commitment to holding the government accountable and pledged continued solidarity with Nigerians in the pursuit of a more just and equitable society.
