Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has reaffirmed his strong belief in the unity and future of Nigeria despite the country’s current political, economic and security challenges.
Gowon made the remarks on Tuesday in Abuja during the public presentation of his autobiography titled My Life of Duty & Allegiance, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.
The elder statesman said his confidence in Nigeria’s survival has remained unshaken decades after leading the country through the Nigerian Civil War.
“I cannot say it loudly enough that my belief in the long-term survival of Nigeria is total because my love for the country is beyond question,” Gowon stated.
The former military ruler, who became Head of State in 1966 during a period of political instability, explained that he wrote the autobiography to preserve history and address misinformation surrounding his role in Nigeria’s development.
According to him, the book was not written to attack anyone or reopen old divisions, but to contribute to the country’s historical records and deepen understanding of Nigeria’s journey.
“I only needed to tell my truth, not join issues with anyone or sit in judgment over what might be considered right or wrong,” he said.
“Speaking out also became necessary because my story and that of Nigeria were too intertwined.”
Gowon also cautioned politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning against desperation and divisive politics capable of threatening national unity.
“We all must rise to contain the desperation frequently exhibited by the political class who engage in what they love to call ‘do or die’ politicking,” he said.
“We must not give room to naysayers who see no good in our nation and would rather label it a ‘failed State.’”
The former Head of State expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its present difficulties, stressing that the country’s diversity should remain a source of strength and not division.
“On my watch as Head of State, the country did not fall, and I am confident that the nation, despite all its challenges, still will not fall,” he added.
Gowon further described public service as a responsibility built on sacrifice, conscience and conviction rather than personal glory.
Also speaking at the event, publisher of the autobiography and Chief Executive Officer of Havilah Group, Akogun Lanre Adesuyi, described the book as an important contribution to Nigeria’s historical documentation.
According to Adesuyi, the autobiography captures Gowon’s personal journey, his years in military service, events leading to the civil war, post-war reconciliation efforts and reflections on nation-building.
“Today, pages will be turned, memories will speak, and history will find its authentic voice,” Adesuyi said.
“This is no ordinary book presentation. Rather, we are here to share the author’s story of an era and the enduring power of character.”
He noted that Gowon deliberately chose to tell his story without bitterness or judgment.
“General Yakubu Gowon has chosen to address history without judgment,” he stated.
“As he repeatedly told us while working on this book, it is all about telling his truth. And as we all know, truth is always a defence.”
Adesuyi also stressed the need to preserve historical records, warning that failure to properly document events creates room for distorted narratives.
Gowon, who ruled Nigeria from 1966 to 1975, remains one of the country’s most influential political figures. He led Nigeria during the Civil War fought between 1967 and 1970 following the attempted secession of the former Eastern Region as Biafra.
After the war, he became widely recognised for promoting reconciliation through his “No Victor, No Vanquished” policy aimed at rebuilding national unity and reintegrating affected communities.
Over the years, Gowon has continued to advocate peace, national unity and interfaith harmony through platforms such as the Nigeria Prays movement.
His latest call for unity comes amid growing economic hardship, insecurity and rising political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.