The Northern Muslims/Christians for Peace and Progress Initiative has thrown its weight behind the peace accord signed between the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) and the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO), describing the initiative as a significant step towards promoting religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.

The initiative also commended Barr. Seyi Tinubu for championing the peace initiative, saying his support for the accord demonstrated the importance of building bridges across religious and social divides, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Amb. Bukar Al-Amin, the group said the agreement provided an opportunity for Christian and Muslim youths to work together in strengthening national unity and promoting responsible democratic participation.

It said the recognition of Seyi Tinubu as a Christian Youth Peace Ambassador was appropriate, arguing that young Nigerians needed role models who would encourage them to view religious diversity as a source of strength rather than division.

According to the group, the peace accord goes beyond a formal agreement between two youth organisations, as it represents a shared commitment to rejecting religious intolerance, hate speech, political violence and the manipulation of religion for destructive purposes.

It stressed that Christians and Muslims could hold different political views without becoming enemies, urging youths to maintain peaceful relationships regardless of their political or religious affiliations.

“The accord itself commits both youth bodies to interfaith tolerance, peaceful coexistence and responsible participation while rejecting political violence,” Al-Amin said.

The initiative pledged to support efforts to extend the spirit of the accord from the national level to the six geopolitical zones, states, local government areas and communities across the country.

It said the message should be taken to churches, mosques and grassroots communities to ensure that ordinary Nigerians, particularly young people, understood the importance of peaceful coexistence and responsible participation in the electoral process.

The group also expressed readiness to collaborate with YOWICAN, NACOMYO, religious institutions, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, youth groups and other stakeholders in promoting religious tolerance and peaceful political participation before, during and after the 2027 elections.

The initiative urged Nigerians to recognise that despite differences in faith and political choices, the country’s future remained a shared responsibility.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us. Our faiths may be different, our political choices may differ, but our future is shared,” it said.

The group maintained that peace was fundamental to national progress, while tolerance and dialogue remained critical to strengthening unity and democratic development.

It therefore called on Nigerians, particularly youths, to embrace the message of the peace accord and become ambassadors of peace in their respective communities.