Tips on electoral violence prevention

By Kabir Alabi Garba

In the name of the Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

“Indeed, Allah commands justice, excellence, and giving to relatives, and He forbids immorality, wrongdoing, and oppression.” (Qur’an 16:90)

Brethren, the focus of our sermon today is on a matter of great importance to our national patrimony and continuous progress as a nation: electoral violence prevention and the centrality of patience and lawful dispute resolution.

Although at the national level, serious electoral activities are yet to begin officially, the off-season elections such as the Ekiti governorship election that took place last June 20 as well as the forthcoming one in Osun State on August 15, 2026 have raised the political temperament of the nation. And it has, therefore, become imperative to continue to appeal to all stakeholders that electoral violence pays no one.

Indeed, Islam as a religion of peace, justice, mercy, and order, does not permit chaos, bloodshed, destruction of lives and property, or hatred because of political differences. Leadership is a trust, but preserving life, unity, and justice is an even greater trust. This is the kernel of Qur’an 16:90 quoted above: “Indeed, Allah commands justice, excellence, and giving to relatives, and He forbids immorality, wrongdoing, and oppression.”

It should be reiterated that every election presents an opportunity to strengthen society or weaken it. Elections should never become occasions for violence, intimidation, or revenge. The admonition by Allah (SWT) in Qur’an 5:8 is instructive: “Do not let the hatred of a people cause you to depart from justice. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness.”

Brothers and sisters in Islam, and indeed, all Nigerians, political differences do not justify violence. Support for a candidate or political party must never outweigh our obedience to the Almighty. Muslims in particular, our identity is founded upon faith before political affiliation. This is reflected in the saying of the noble Prophet (SAW): “A Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand other Muslims are safe.” And in another narration: “Do not return after me as disbelievers, striking the necks of one another.”(Sahih al-Bukhari).

This warning teaches us that Muslims must not resort to violence over worldly affairs. One of the greatest virtues during tense political periods is patience (sabr) as Allah (SWT says: “O you who believe! Seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with those who are patient.” (Qur’an 2:153).

Patience does not mean weakness. Rather, it means controlling anger, avoiding rash actions, and trusting Allah while pursuing justice through lawful means. The Prophet (SAW) said: “The strong person is not the one who defeats others in wrestling, but the one who controls himself when angry.”

Many acts of electoral violence begin with uncontrolled anger, rumours, provocation, and revenge. Islam commands believers to verify information before acting. “O you who believe! If a sinful person comes to you with news, verify it, lest you harm people in ignorance and later regret what you have done.” (Qur’an 49:6).

Today, false information spreads rapidly through social media. A Muslim should never forward unverified reports that could inflame tension or provoke violence.

Brethren, when disputes arise concerning election results, Islam encourages lawful and peaceful resolution. Allah (SWT) says: “If you differ over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger if you truly believe in Allah and the Last Day.” (Qur’an 4:59).

This verse teaches respect for lawful authority and established procedures. Where legal mechanisms exist to resolve disputes, they should be used instead of violence. Destroying public property, burning buildings, attacking opponents, or intimidating voters are all forms of oppression. Allah (SWT) warns in Qur’an 7:56: “And do not spread corruption upon the earth after it has been set right.”

Every life is sacred. No political ambition is worth the shedding of innocent blood as killing of one person unjustly (Qur’an 5:32) is akin to exterminating the entire mankind: “Whoever kills a soul unjustly… it is as though he has killed all mankind.”

Electorate in Osun State, and in Nigeria as a whole should note that a free, fair and credible election is a sign of political maturity, wisdom, and respect for justice. Therefore, winning should be met with humility, gratitude, and fairness. Losing should be met with patience, dignity, and lawful efforts where genuine grievances exist.

The Prophet admonished thus: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent.” This applies especially during elections. Avoid insults, hate speech, ethnic incitement, religious intolerance, and false accusations. Communities become stronger when differences are resolved through dialogue rather than violence. The counselling of the Prophet saying:

“The merciful are shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Show mercy to those on the earth, and the One above the heavens will show mercy to you” is timeless and most relevant at this time of electioneering in the country.

Let everyone be a harbinger of peace by rejecting violence and intimidation, respect the rights and dignity of all people, verify information before sharing it, pray and work for justice and peace, use lawful institutions to resolve disputes, protect lives, places of worship, schools, hospitals, businesses, and public property.

Above all, we should promote reconciliation after elections, regardless of political outcomes and remember that every leader and every citizen will stand before Allah on the Day of Judgment. May the Almighty make us people of justice, patience, wisdom, and peace.

“O Allah, grant peace, security, and stability to our land. O Allah, unite our hearts upon truth and righteousness. O Allah, protect our nation from violence, hatred, bloodshed, and injustice. O Allah, guide our leaders to rule with justice, honesty, compassion, and fear of You. O Allah, grant wisdom to electoral officials, security personnel, judges, community leaders, and all those entrusted with public responsibility. O Allah, guide those with grievances to pursue justice through lawful and peaceful means. O Allah, protect the innocent, comfort the victims of violence, and replace fear with safety. O Allah, forgive the believing men and women, the living among them and those who have passed away.