As Nigeria steps into 2026, prominent political leaders are calling for national unity, resilience, and hope, acknowledging the challenges of the past year while emphasizing collective potential for transformation.

House of Representatives Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu have jointly issued powerful New Year messages, describing 2026 as a year of 'endless possibilities' and urging citizens to work together for national growth and stability.

Despite recognizing 2025's significant economic and security challenges, both parliamentary leaders expressed optimism about the country's future. Speaker Abbas, through his media adviser Musa Abdullahi Krishi, highlighted incremental progress in governance and national security, while Deputy Speaker Kalu assured Nigerians of the Tinubu-led APC government's commitment to addressing economic issues and improving living standards.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar offered a more critical perspective, describing 2025 as one of the most difficult years in recent history. He challenged citizens to prepare for democratic change through peaceful, unified action, criticizing current government policies and calling for national unity across ethnic and religious lines. ' 2026 is the year to organize and mobilize; 2027 is the year of harvest,' Atiku declared, emphasizing democratic participation as a path to meaningful transformation.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Chairman, Senator David Mark, echoed similar sentiments, urging Nigerians to view 2026 as an opportunity to reclaim their country through civic engagement. Mark highlighted the ADC-led opposition coalition's formation as a crucial step in preventing a potential one-party state and restoring democratic accountability.

In a particularly optimistic regional perspective, Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah promised a 'quantum leap' for his state in 2026. He outlined ambitious plans including Smart Schools, primary healthcare centre expansions, water schemes, airport development, and urban road upgrades, emphasizing disciplined, long-term strategic planning.

Representative Philip Agbese, the House of Representatives' Deputy Spokesperson, reflected on 2025 as an intensely challenging year for the legislative body. Despite facing sustained political and institutional pressures, Agbese noted that the Green Chamber remained stable and committed to national progress.

As Nigerians enter 2026, these leadership messages collectively underscore a message of hope, resilience, and the power of unified national purpose. While acknowledging significant challenges, the leaders unanimously call for constructive engagement, democratic participation, and collective effort in steering Nigeria towards a more prosperous future.