Youth leaders pledge religious tolerance and reject political violence ahead of 2027 elections
Christian and Muslim youths in Nigeria have signed a peace accord in Abuja, pledging to promote religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and reject political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The accord was signed during the 2026 National Christian Youth Security Summit and Thanksgiving Service held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja.
The initiative brought together Christian and Muslim youth leaders, religious organisations, government representatives, security officials and other stakeholders to strengthen interfaith cooperation and promote peaceful participation in the electoral process.
National Chairman of the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), Ven. Evang. Ademola Arowolo, described the agreement as a commitment to unity, peace and national development.
He urged young Nigerians to reject political thuggery, vote-buying and attempts by politicians to use youths to cause violence during the 2027 elections.
Similarly, the National President of the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO), Sani Sulaiman-Maigoro, called for stronger cooperation between Christian and Muslim youths, stressing the importance of putting national unity above religious differences.
Representing President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, also urged youths not to allow politicians to use them as instruments of violence.
He stressed that peaceful relations between Christians and Muslims remain essential to Nigeria’s development.
The Defence Minister, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd.), represented by his Special Adviser on Security and Intelligence, Musa Likita, said a peaceful environment was necessary for Nigerian youths to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The Abuja peace accord comes as political activities and preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with stakeholders increasingly calling for tolerance, responsible political participation and peaceful coexistence.
