General Yakubu Gowon, the former Head of State of Nigeria, recently explained why he decided not to align with any political party during his life. Speaking in Abuja, when he met with the League of Northern Democrats (LND), Gowon, who is 90 years old, made it clear that his loyalty lies with Nigeria and its unity, not with any political faction.

Gowon’s background in the military shaped his deep sense of duty toward the country. He believes in putting Nigeria’s interests first, beyond any regional or political considerations. He encouraged Nigerians to look past differences and work together for the common good, even though having different opinions is normal.

During his speech, Gowon talked about his belief in mixing the best ideas from different political ideologies, like socialism and capitalism, for the nation’s benefit. Reflecting on his time as the country’s leader, he explained that decisions were always made in the best interest of the people, prioritizing national unity and progress.

He urged current political leaders not to fall back into old patterns where the north focuses on the north, the west on the west, and the east on the east. Gowon explained that his support for creating multiple states was to avoid any region becoming too powerful, which could disrupt the balance of unity in Nigeria.

Gowon also shared that, at the time, many Nigerians feared the north’s dominance. This fear almost led to calls for secession from all regions—west, east, and even the north. To prevent such fragmentation, Gowon advocated for the creation of new states, believing this would help strengthen the country’s unity.

He warned that without those efforts, Nigeria could have ended up divided into separate nations, such as Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa, instead of staying united as one country. Gowon believes that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diverse population and cultures, and if everyone unites, the country can reach its full potential.

Although Gowon expressed hope for a united Nigeria, he also acknowledged the challenges that the north faces today. He mentioned the activities of groups like the Lukurawa from Mali, noting that such groups are only adding to the region’s struggles.

Gowon, who served as Nigeria’s military leader from 1966 to 1975, remains a staunch advocate for national unity. His leadership during a critical period in Nigeria’s history continues to inspire those who believe in the power of unity over division.