As Nigerians prepare for the 2027 general elections, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has urged religious leaders to use their influence to promote peace, unity and tolerance, while discouraging hate speech, violence, extremism and intolerance.

Mahmoud made the call yesterday in Abuja while delivering a goodwill message at an interfaith prayer session for Nigeria and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre.

She urged churches, mosques and other places of worship to remain sanctuaries of peace, moral instruction, compassion and national unity, stressing the need for Nigerians to strengthen interfaith understanding and peaceful coexistence as the country moves towards another election cycle.

The minister described the interfaith gathering as a demonstration of Nigerians’ shared faith in God and their collective commitment to the peace, stability, unity and prosperity of the country.

She noted that prayer had always occupied a special place in Nigeria’s national life, particularly during periods of uncertainty and at moments of great opportunity, adding that Nigerians had consistently turned to God for wisdom, guidance and strength.

According to her, “Nigeria is greater than its religious, ethnic and cultural differences,” stressing that the country’s diversity must remain a source of strength rather than division.

Mahmoud commended the organisers for creating a platform that promotes understanding, tolerance, brotherhood and peaceful coexistence, describing interfaith engagement as an important instrument for strengthening national cohesion.

She urged religious leaders to intensify their efforts to educate their followers, particularly young people, on the need to reject hatred and division, irrespective of religious, ethnic or cultural differences.

The minister also called on Nigerians to continue to support and pray for President Tinubu and his administration as it implements reforms and initiatives aimed at strengthening the economy, improving infrastructure, creating opportunities and building a more prosperous nation.

She reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration to translating the vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda into tangible improvements in the lives of residents.

Mahmoud called for prayers for peace across communities, wisdom for political leaders, protection for security personnel, opportunities for young people, empowerment of women, care for vulnerable citizens and prosperity for Nigerian families.

She urged Nigerians to rise above individual interests and embrace a shared national destiny, maintaining that collective faith, unity and patriotism remained critical to building a peaceful, stable and prosperous country.

Earlier, the National President of Women Initiative for Family Economy (WIFE) and convener of the programme, Ambassador Aisha Abdulkadir Yau, commended religious leaders for their contributions to peaceful coexistence in the country.

Yau said the longstanding peaceful relationship between Christians and Muslims in many communities could be traced to messages of tolerance and brotherhood delivered from mosques and churches.

She, however, urged religious leaders to intensify prayers for President Tinubu and members of his cabinet for the successful implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She stressed that continued prayers, dialogue and cooperation among Nigerians of different faiths were necessary to sustain peace and national development as the country approaches the 2027 elections.