Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Federal Government has urged religious and traditional leaders, as well as youth associations, to strengthen collaboration and sensitise Nigerian youths on the need for tolerance and peaceful coexistence to safeguard lives and property.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, made the appeal on Wednesday in Abuja at the triannual meeting of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC).

Akume observed that Nigeria, like the rest of the world, continues to face complex challenges capable of triggering conflicts. He identified key drivers as lack of understanding, entrenched stereotypes, poor communication, and the weaponisation of identity.

He further noted that religion, insecurity, fear, low trust levels, and ethnic divisions are often exploited through political and economic manipulation to fuel violence and hostility.

The SGF emphasised the importance of religious literacy in helping citizens resist manipulation, reject prejudice, and embrace understanding over hostility. He stressed the need to promote interaction, deepen mutual understanding, and build sustainable peace through dialogue.

According to him, national cohesion cannot be built on suspicion, coercion, or exclusion, but on justice, dignity, mutual respect, and inclusivity.

Akume disclosed that the Federal Government has put in place measures to support religious and traditional institutions in ensuring peaceful communities before, during, and after the elections.

“I must draw your attention to the fact that the nation is approaching the end of the current political and electoral cycle. Religious leaders have a historic responsibility to shape conscience, resolve conflicts, minimise hatred, and promote truth,” he said.

“You must ensure that faith is never used to justify falsehood, discrimination, violence, or bloodshed. Whenever that happens, both religion and the nation are diminished. But when faith inspires truth, mercy, discipline, and service, the nation is strengthened.”

He added that while religious studies already exist in the national curriculum, the focus should now be on improving quality through better teacher training, relevant learning materials, and classroom environments that promote empathy, respect, and responsible citizenship.

In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto and Co-Chairman of NIREC, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, dismissed claims of any Islamisation agenda, stressing that Muslims neither intend nor have the capacity to eliminate Christianity from Nigeria.

“We are not in any position whatsoever to remove Christianity from Nigeria—it is not possible,” he said. “Muslims are not planning anything like diminishing the Christian population. Allah brought us together for a reason.”

He urged Nigerians to reject divisive narratives, describing them as unfounded and dangerous to national unity.

“No matter what anyone says from outside this country, we are still one. We believe in the unity of Nigeria. Dialogue is always better than conflict. We must continue to understand one another,” he added.

The Sultan cautioned against linking criminality to religion, warning that such narratives distort reality and deepen divisions.

“Stop calling them Islamic terrorists. Terrorists and bandits are criminals, not representatives of any religion. In fact, more Muslims have been killed in these attacks,” he said.

He also condemned extremists who attempt to justify violence in the name of religion, stating that such actions contradict the core teachings of Islam.