Eid-el-Kabir: ADC, Labour Party, APM, Mark, Obi Urge Sacrifice, National Rebirth

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party, Allied Peoples Movement (APM), ADC National Chairman David Mark, and former presidential candidate Peter Obi have called on Nigerians to embrace sacrifice, unity, peace, and renewed hope as Muslims across the country celebrate Eid-el-Kabir.

In separate goodwill messages issued to commemorate the Sallah celebration, the political leaders and parties urged citizens not to lose faith in Nigeria despite the prevailing economic and security challenges facing the nation.

The ADC, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said Nigerians must not surrender to despair despite rising food prices, unemployment, insecurity, and economic hardship affecting millions of households.

The party described Eid-el-Kabir as a season symbolising sacrifice, faith, obedience, and compassion, stressing that the lessons of the celebration are particularly important at a time when many citizens are facing difficult circumstances.

According to the ADC, faith becomes most meaningful during periods of adversity, adding that Nigerians should continue to believe in the possibility of a stronger, safer, and more prosperous country.

The party expressed optimism that Nigeria can overcome its present difficulties and emerge as a nation where leadership prioritises the welfare of citizens, young people can pursue their aspirations, farmers can work safely, businesses can thrive, and ordinary people can live with dignity.

It also called on leaders at all levels to reflect on their responsibilities and work towards easing the suffering of citizens, while praying for peace, healing, relief for struggling families, and greater national unity.

Similarly, the Labour Party urged Nigerians to use the Eid-el-Kabir celebration to promote justice, unity, and selfless sacrifice as pathways to national rebirth.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, the party congratulated Muslims in Nigeria and across the world on the celebration.

The Labour Party noted that Eid al-Adha commemorates the obedience and total submission of Prophet Ibrahim to Almighty Allah, virtues it said remain highly relevant for both leaders and citizens.

According to the party, the season calls for reflection, renewed spirituality, humility, tolerance, and a stronger commitment to serving humanity, especially as the country grapples with economic hardship, insecurity, hunger, and rising ethno-religious tensions.

The party also urged Nigerians to extend compassion and generosity to the less privileged, while calling on public office holders to govern with fairness, equity, and empathy in line with values that prioritise the welfare of the people.

The APM, in its own Sallah message signed by its National Chairman, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, urged Nigerians to use the Eid-el-Kabir celebration to pray for peace, unity, and credible leadership as the country prepares for future elections.

The party encouraged citizens to reflect on the values of sacrifice, obedience, faith, and compassion exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim’s submission to the will of Allah.

Dantalle said the period should serve as a time for deep reflection and devotion to God, urging Nigerians to seek divine guidance in building a more stable and prosperous society.

The APM also called on political actors to avoid violence, vote-buying, and other forms of electoral malpractice, stressing the need to strengthen democratic institutions and protect the sanctity of the electoral process.

The party further urged governments at all levels to prioritise citizens’ welfare above partisan interests, insisting that leadership must always reflect the needs and aspirations of the people.

Former Senate President and ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, also appealed to Nigerians to embrace peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and national unity during the Sallah celebration.

In a goodwill message signed by his Communication Adviser, Kola Ologbondiyan, Mark described Eid-el-Kabir as a period of sacrifice, compassion, obedience, and renewed commitment to peace and national cohesion.

He noted that the celebration serves as a reminder of enduring values such as love, tolerance, generosity, and service to humanity, urging Nigerians to continue working and praying for a more united and prosperous nation.

Mark expressed concern over the growing insecurity and economic hardship confronting Nigerians, including violence, banditry, kidnapping, and communal conflicts affecting many communities across the country.

He called on governments at all levels to intensify efforts toward tackling insecurity through proactive and people-oriented measures capable of guaranteeing the safety of lives and property.

According to him, security remains the foundation for national development and economic progress, while policies aimed at reducing poverty, unemployment, inflation, and the rising cost of living must also be prioritised.

The former Senate President further urged leaders to govern with compassion, justice, and accountability, while encouraging citizens to remain steadfast in promoting peace, unity, and mutual understanding.

On his part, Peter Obi called on Muslims across Nigeria to use the Eid-el-Kabir celebration as a period of prayer, hope, and renewed commitment to national unity.

In a message posted on his X account, Obi described Eid-el-Kabir as a celebration that embodies faith, sacrifice, compassion, obedience to God, and love for humanity.

The former Labour Party presidential candidate said the lessons of the season underscore the importance of selflessness, tolerance, and commitment to the common good, especially as Nigeria navigates difficult economic and social realities.

Obi stated that despite the nation’s current challenges, Nigerians must continue to believe in the possibility of building a functional, just, and productive society where every citizen feels included.

He also called for prayers for security personnel on the frontlines, wisdom for leaders, and economic relief for citizens facing hardship, while urging Nigerians to recommit themselves to peace, mutual respect, and unity across religious and ethnic divides.

He prayed that the Eid-el-Kabir celebration would bring joy to families, peace to communities, and renewed hope to the nation.