Akume
2027 elections: FG urges faith, traditional leaders to promote peace
The Federal Government has called on faith-based and traditional institutions to actively promote peace ahead of the 2027 elections, mobilising their followers against any form of manipulation that could trigger violence before, during, or after the polls.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, made the appeal during the meeting of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in Abuja.
The gathering included the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh.
Akume stated: “The 2027 general election is fast approaching, and NIREC, through our traditional and religious leaders, faith-based organisations and youth associations, has the moral responsibility for strengthening the network of collaboration, grassroots mobilisation, youth education, peaceful co-existence, tolerance, security and protection of lives and property.”
The SGF stressed the need to eliminate all forms of manipulation capable of dividing citizens, noting that peaceful elections depend on responsible grassroots leadership.
He added that Nigeria’s religious and cultural diversity makes tolerance and religious literacy essential for national cohesion, and that NIREC’s role in promoting dialogue and mutual understanding has become increasingly important.
Akume warned that Nigeria, like many parts of the world, continues to face challenges driven by stereotypes, misinformation, insecurity, and identity-based divisions—often worsened by political and economic manipulation.
He affirmed that the government’s duty is not to politicise religion but to strengthen citizenship, understanding, and responsibility.
He also called for improved quality of religious education in schools through better teacher preparation, effective learning materials, and classroom values that promote empathy, respect, and responsible citizenship.
Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, advised Nigerians not to associate bandits with Islam, describing such links as a misrepresentation of the religion.
He urged the government to unleash the full weight of the law on bandits to restore peace and development.
The Sultan said ignorance, illiteracy, and poor religious understanding—especially among some Islamic leaders—are key factors fuelling communal crises.
He declared: “Let’s give bandits and terrorists their rightful names and treat them as such. We should stop calling them Islamic terrorists, even if they may be Muslims. In Islam, if you take one life, it is like taking the life of all humanity.”
He stressed that proficiency in Arabic does not equal Islamic scholarship, and that religious clerics must be educated enough to speak responsibly about both Islam and Christianity.
He dismissed fears that Muslims plan to decimate Nigeria’s Christian population, noting that more Muslims are killed in terrorist attacks in northern states.
Responding to criticism that Muslim leaders have not spoken out enough, the Sultan said: “I have repeatedly condemned these acts… We speak less publicly but work diligently behind the scenes.”
Archbishop Daniel Okoh, NIREC co-chairman, described Nigeria’s diversity as a potential source of strength or division. He said religious literacy involves awareness, sensitivity, and respect for others’ beliefs, equipping communities to challenge stereotypes and resist divisive narratives.
He called for integrating religious literacy into education, public discourse, and community engagement, adding: “Our schools must not only teach faith but also foster respect for others. Places of worship should promote peace, unity, and responsible citizenship.”
About The Author
