CAN urges Nigerians to shun division incited by politicians

President Bola Tinubu has felicitated with Muslims across Nigeria on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Maulud, urging them to draw inspiration from the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

This was as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) called on Nigerians to refuse to be divided by those who seek political gain from “our differences” during the upcoming 2027 general elections.

The President, in a statement issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, urged Muslims to go beyond commemorating the birth of Muhammad by using the occasion for introspection, prayer and a renewed commitment to the virtues the Prophet exemplified.

He specifically called on the faithful to embrace the Prophet’s values of devotion, perseverance, tolerance, humility and selflessness, describing them as enduring lessons that could strengthen individuals and society.

“The Muslim faithful should make a deliberate effort to adhere to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. There are great lessons of devotion, perseverance, tolerance, humility and selflessness that we can all learn from the life of the Prophet,” Tinubu said.

The President also urged Islamic scholars and religious leaders to use the occasion to offer prayers for the country’s peace, unity and progress, while encouraging their followers to translate the lessons of the Prophet’s life into greater commitment to national development.

He further called on Muslims celebrating the occasion to extend kindness and support to the needy and vulnerable, in keeping with the spirit of compassion and generosity associated with the occasion.

Eid-el-Maulud, also known as Mawlid an-Nabi, commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam. In Nigeria, August 25, 2026, was declared a public holiday to mark the occasion.

While Sunni Muslims generally observe the occasion on the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal, many Shia Muslims mark it on the 17th.
CAN appealed to politicians not to exploit religion or ethnicity for political advantage as the 2027 elections inch closer.

In a massage yesterday in Abuja, President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, noted that “Christians and Muslims have a shared responsibility to protect communities, care for the vulnerable and work together” for peace.

He said: “Elections will come and go, but the bonds that hold Nigeria together must remain.”

According to Okoh, Eid-el-Maulud commemorates the birth of the Prophet of Islam and provides an opportunity for Muslims to reflect on a life associated with mercy, justice, compassion for the poor and vulnerable, honesty and peaceful coexistence.

These values, he emphasised, are especially important today because “they challenge us to care for one another, protect human dignity and pursue peace,” even when our differences are exploited for political or personal gain.

The CAN president lamented that this year’s celebration came at a difficult time for many Nigerians, adding that the pressure of rising living costs and insecurity was being felt in homes and communities across the country.

He said: “People are tired of promises; they want to see their lives improve. We, therefore, urge the Federal Government and leaders at all levels to move from promises to visible action. Nigerians need greater security, economic relief and leadership that puts their welfare first. Leadership is not measured by what we promise, but by what Nigerians can see and feel. We remain hopeful about Nigeria, but our hope must be backed by action, responsible leadership, good citizenship and justice.

“I felicitate with our Muslim brothers and sisters and pray for peace and blessings upon their families and communities. May this Eid-el-Maulud renew our commitment to mercy, peace and compassion, and inspire us to build a Nigeria where every citizen can live with dignity and hope.”