2027: Tinubu Urges Nigerians to Shun Hate-mongering, Embrace Peace

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for stronger unity among Nigerians of different faiths, saying peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims is critical to overcoming the country’s security challenges and building a stable nation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Tinubu spoke on Tuesday at the International Conference on Security and National Unity, organised by Jama’atu Izalatil Bidiah wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS Nigeria) in collaboration with the Muslim World League, where religious and political leaders converged to promote dialogue, tolerance and peaceful coexistence between adherents of the two major faiths.

Represented by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, the President said the conference was coming at a critical time when countries across the world were confronted with multifaceted security challenges. He assured participants of the Federal Government’s commitment to sustainable security and continued collaboration with other nations to promote global peace.

According to him, Nigeria must demonstrate that its religious and cultural diversity can be a source of strength rather than division, stressing that the government would continue to work towards preserving the unity of the country despite its differences.

“The government is determined to make sure that we remain united as a country, despite our differences, and allow this country to remain as a united nation,” Tinubu said.

He said the conference provided an opportunity for participants to examine emerging threats to national and international security and develop practical solutions that could complement government’s efforts.

He also urged participants to leverage the international character of the gathering to exchange experiences and contribute to efforts aimed at restoring sustainable regional, continental and global peace.

The conference also projected a strong message of Christian-Muslim solidarity, with participants stressing that Nigeria must present to the world an image of a country where citizens of different faiths can live, work and pursue common interests peacefully.

The message is considered particularly significant as the country moves towards the 2027 elections, when religious and ethnic sentiments could become subjects of political mobilisation.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to religious tolerance, moderation and interfaith dialogue. He stressed that the Muslim World League stands against extremism and supports initiatives that promote understanding among people of different faiths, saying religious differences should not become a justification for hatred or violence.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman of JIBWIS Nigeria, Sheikh Dr. Abdullahi Bala Lau, said the conference was designed to encourage tolerance and strengthen peaceful relations between Muslims and Christians. He said religious leaders had a responsibility to use their influence to promote peace and reconciliation, rather than allow their platforms to become instruments for division.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), Fr. Prof. Cornelius Omonokhua, said humanity remained the strongest bond between Christians and Muslims, arguing that religious differences should never override the value of human life. “No one is created a Christian, and no one is created a Muslim. We are created as human beings; hence, what binds us together is humanity,” he said.

Omonokhua, who explained that NIREC was established by Christian and Muslim leaders to promote common good and peaceful coexistence, warned against attempts to weaponise religion or ethnicity. He said Christians and Muslims in Nigeria were not at war with one another and urged citizens to preserve the existing bonds between the two communities.

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, called for sustained dialogue between Christians and Muslims, saying Nigeria’s problems could be addressed if leaders were honest and committed to implementing solutions. “Christians should stop insulting Muslims. Muslims should stop insulting Christians. And that’s how we live in peace,” he said.

Also speaking, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said his personal experience growing up in an environment where his Christian father maintained a close relationship with a Muslim chief imam shaped his belief in religious harmony.

“Religious differences does not have to produce human distances and separation because of our beliefs,” Yilwatda said, urging religious leaders to make churches and mosques centres of peace, reconciliation and responsible citizenship.

Yilwatda also cautioned political leaders against exploiting religious and ethnic sentiments for electoral advantage, saying temporary political gains could inflict lasting damage on the country.

He urged Nigerians to reject hate speech and misinformation, while calling for a national commitment in which Christians protect Muslims, Muslims defend Christians, and citizens stand for one another because of their shared humanity.

The conference ultimately reinforced a common message from Nigeria’s political and religious leadership: that unity across faiths is not only necessary for national security but also vital to preserving peaceful coexistence and strengthening confidence in Nigeria as the country approaches another crucial electoral cycle in 2027.