Christmas: Atiku Urges Nigerians To Embrace Peace, Unity, National Renewal

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has extended Christmas felicitations to Nigerians, calling on citizens to use the season as a period of deep reflection, peace-building, and national renewal.

In a Christmas message issued by his Media Office in Abuja on Wednesday, Atiku congratulated Christians across the country and around the world as they marked Christmas Day, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.

He urged Nigerians to embrace the enduring values associated with the season, stressing that the country needs love, unity, and compassion now more than ever.

“I extend my warm Christmas greetings to Nigerians, especially our Christian brothers and sisters, as we mark the birth of Jesus Christ,” Atiku said.

The former Vice President described Christmas as a solemn reminder of timeless virtues that should guide both personal conduct and national life. According to him, the message of Christmas centres on love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and compassion—values he said are urgently needed in Nigeria’s current social and political climate.

“Christmas calls us to rise above division and embrace one another in love. It is a season that invites us to heal old wounds, to forgive, and to recommit ourselves to the unity and common destiny of our nation,” he stated.

Atiku urged Nigerians not to limit the season to festivities alone, but to also engage in quiet reflection and prayer, seeking divine guidance for the country. He said Christmas offers an opportunity for citizens to pause and reflect on the need for peace, justice, and renewed hope for Nigeria.

He further encouraged Nigerians to rededicate themselves to faith in God and to allow the spirit of love and generosity that defines Christmas to influence their daily lives, particularly in their relationships with neighbours, communities, and fellow citizens.

Looking ahead to the coming year, the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in prayer and collective effort towards national restoration. He stressed the need for peace, stability, and inclusive development across the country.

“As we celebrate this sacred season, let us extend hands of fellowship to one another and live as one people, regardless of our differences,” Atiku said. “Let us trust God for a better tomorrow and work, in unity and conscience, for a greater Nigeria.”

He concluded by expressing hope that the message of Christmas would inspire Nigerians to renew their commitment to national cohesion and shared progress in the year ahead.