Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, have cautioned politicians and other Nigerians against weaponising religion ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that such actions could threaten national unity and peaceful coexistence.
The leaders made the call during the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) meeting held in Abuja, where they stressed the need for tolerance, dialogue, and grassroots peace-building as political activities gradually intensify across the country. They warned that misinformation, identity politics, and religious manipulation could fuel violence if not properly addressed.
Akume urged religious and traditional leaders to take active roles in promoting understanding among citizens and preventing any form of manipulation capable of creating division before, during, and after the elections. He emphasized that Nigeria’s diversity should remain a source of strength rather than conflict, adding that faith must never be used to justify violence, hatred, or discrimination.
The Sultan of Sokoto also called for unity among Nigerians regardless of religious differences, insisting that terrorists and criminals should not be linked to any religion. He maintained that dialogue remains the best path to lasting peace and urged citizens to reject narratives designed to divide the country along religious lines.
Both leaders further appealed to faith-based organisations, youth groups, and traditional institutions to work together in promoting peaceful coexistence and protecting the integrity of the electoral process ahead of 2027.
