Major Hamza Al-Mustapha (rtd), former chief security officer (CSO) to the late head of state, Gen. Sani Abacha, has urged Nigerians to prioritise integrity and competence when electing leaders in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during the Youth Literacy and Social Empowerment Foundation’s birthday visit, Al-Mustapha stressed the need for unity, patriotism and decisive electoral action to rescue Nigeria from the grip of corrupt and self-serving politicians.
He warned that political opportunists had hijacked the nation’s leadership, resulting in insecurity, poor infrastructure, economic hardship, power failure, unemployment and a deteriorating education system.
“This is not the Nigeria we handed over. The foundations laid by previous administrations, especially under General Abacha, have been neglected and eroded by the corrupt political elite,” he said.
He cited achievements of the Abacha regime, including the Gwarinpa housing estate, Vision 2010, the National Hospital, and Nigeria’s intervention in Sierra Leone, as evidence of purposeful leadership.
Al-Mustapha called on citizens to mobilise through the ballot box and reject politicians who enrich themselves at the expense of the masses.
“Elections should not be about moneybags or ethnic sentiments. We must support only those with proven character and a track record of service,” he added.
Al-Mustapha advised foundation members to remain focused on their mission to educate and empower young Nigerians, stressing that civic enlightenment was key to the nation’s transformation.
On his part, Dr Olusegun Adeleye, chairman of the foundation’s Board of Trustees, praised Al-Mustapha’s lifelong contributions to youth development, national unity and human capacity building.
He recalled a personal encounter with Al-Mustapha as a student, during which the retired officer’s gesture of financial support helped secure his education.
Also, Comrade Salihu Dantata Mahmud, the foundation’s publicity secretary, described Al-Mustapha as one of Nigeria’s finest intelligence officers and prayed for his continued health and long life.
