Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.), has urged Nigeria’s political class to end desperation and “do-or-die” politics, warning that the country’s democracy cannot thrive without free and fair elections.

Gowon spoke on Tuesday in Abuja at the launch of his autobiography, My Life of Duty and Allegiance, where President Bola Tinubu was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The former military ruler criticised what he described as the inability of politicians to conduct credible elections, including at the intraparty level.

“We all must rise to contain the desperation frequently accepted by the political class who engage in what they love to call do-or-die politicking and their inability to conduct free, fair and transparent elections, even in matters as minor as intraparty elections, which has continued to plague our nation from colonial times,” Gowon said.

He also cautioned against narratives portraying Nigeria as a failed state, expressing confidence that the country would overcome its current challenges.

“We must not give room to the naysayers who see no good in our nation and would rather label it as a failed nation,” he added.

Reflecting on his years in office, Gowon said Nigeria remained capable of fulfilling its potential despite economic, political and security difficulties.

“Each time I reflect on my service to my country, I become further persuaded that Nigeria can get better and achieve her potentials as the giant of Africa.

“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 stated.

The former Head of State also criticised what he described as the country’s tendency to complicate simple issues with difficult solutions.

“I am worried that Nigerians never seem to get tired of presenting difficult solutions to simple problems, which they further complicate with more complex and ambiguous solutions that invariably generate tensions in the country,” he said.

Gowon ruled Nigeria between 1966 and 1975, overseeing the country during the civil war and the post-war reconstruction era.

His 859-page autobiography chronicles his life from childhood and military training to his years in power, exile and public service after leaving office.