The Labour Party has accused Nigeria’s ruling class of lacking empathy and selflessness, warning that the country will continue to face economic and social challenges unless leaders prioritise the welfare of ordinary citizens over personal gain.
In a Christmas message issued on Friday in Abuja, the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee of the party said Nigeria’s persistent struggles were rooted in what it described as the selfish conduct of those in power.
The statement, signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, said vast national resources allegedly controlled by a few individuals could have been channelled into critical infrastructure and social services such as schools and hospitals.
According to the party, meaningful national progress remains elusive because current leaders have failed to embrace the spirit of sacrifice and service that defined Nigeria’s early leadership.
“Nigeria can only get better when leaders demonstrate empathy for ordinary Nigerians by embracing selflessness,” the party said. “This will bring an end to the primitive accumulation of wealth by a few individuals—resources that could have been used to build roads, schools, hospitals and other essential infrastructure.”
The Labour Party argued that the country would continue to struggle until present-day leaders adopt the values of sacrifice and patriotism exemplified by Nigeria’s founding generation.
The party also drew parallels between the Christmas season and the ideals of humility and sacrifice, noting that the example of Jesus Christ stood in contrast to what it described as the excesses of the current ruling class.
It said Christ’s life demonstrated that leadership should be anchored on service, integrity and compassion, values it argued are increasingly absent in Nigeria’s governance structure.
The statement further warned that without a shift towards people-centred leadership, corruption and inequality would continue to undermine development and public trust in government.
Against the backdrop of growing public concern over corruption, the party called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take stronger and more decisive action against graft.
It urged the President to confront corruption head-on, warning that no administration could survive or retain legitimacy without addressing the problem decisively.
“I call on President Tinubu to use the broom, which is the symbol of his party, to sweep corruption out of Nigeria,” the statement read. “No government can endure until corruption is fought to a standstill.”
The Labour Party argued that tackling corruption would free up resources for development and restore confidence in public institutions.
The party also urged Nigerians to use the Christmas period to pray for improved security across the country, noting that insecurity remains a major challenge for national stability and economic growth.
While commending security agencies for their efforts, the party said sustained peace would require adequate motivation, funding and support for the military and other security services.
“I commend the gallantry of our servicemen, the State Security Services and other paramilitary agencies working to ensure peace during this festive period,” the statement said, adding that the government must prioritise the welfare of security personnel to sustain gains against insecurity.
The Labour Party concluded by calling on Nigerians to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, urging leaders and citizens alike to embrace unity, sacrifice and compassion as the country confronts its challenges.