Sultan Urges Religious Leaders to Shun Partisan Politics, Promote Peace Ahead 2027
By KEMI KASUMU
The Sultan also stressed the need for religious leaders and Nigerians generally to stand firmly against corruption, saying that anyone who violates the law should be allowed to face justice irrespective of religious affiliation or social status.
The Sultan of Sokoto and Co-Chairman of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, has called on Muslim and Christian religious leaders across Nigeria to promote peace, mutual understanding, responsible leadership and national unity as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
The Sultan made the call at the 2026 Second Council Meeting of NIREC held in Abuja on Wednesday, September 23, under the theme, “Shared Sacred Flourishing in Nigeria.”
The meeting was co-chaired by the Sultan and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, and attended by the Shehu of Borno, the Emir of Zazzau and other prominent traditional and religious leaders.
In his remarks, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar urged religious leaders to refrain from inflammatory statements and avoid using religious platforms for partisan political campaigns.
He encouraged them to continue praying for the nation and its leaders while working collectively to promote peace, stability and the progress of Nigeria.
The Sultan also stressed the need for religious leaders and Nigerians generally to stand firmly against corruption, saying that anyone who violates the law should be allowed to face justice irrespective of religious affiliation or social status.
He reaffirmed the importance of interfaith dialogue in strengthening peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding and cooperation among Nigerians.
The Sultan further urged religious leaders to remain responsible voices for peace, unity and national development, particularly during the politically sensitive period ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The NIREC meeting provided an opportunity for Christian and Muslim leaders to deliberate on issues affecting national unity, peaceful coexistence and the collective wellbeing of Nigerians.
