2027: Tinubu Tasks Religious Leaders on Peace, Issue-Based Campaigns
President Bola Tinubu has urged religious leaders to promote peace, national cohesion and issue-based campaigns as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, made the call on Wednesday at the grand finale of the 2026 Synod of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria in Abuja.
The President warned against practices capable of deepening divisions in the country, including hate speech, vote buying and the weaponisation of ethnic and religious sentiments during the election season.
He said elections should be viewed as a democratic contest for public office and not as a “war for survival”, urging political actors and their supporters to prioritise issues that affect Nigerians.
Tinubu also stressed the role of religious institutions in strengthening peace and social cohesion, saying faith leaders have significant influence in their communities and can help prevent the spread of extremist messages and political violence.
According to him, religious leaders can contribute to early-warning mechanisms, peacebuilding efforts and support for victims of violence, while helping young people resist extremist recruitment and other forms of radicalisation.
The President said the responsibility for national security extends beyond the military, police and intelligence agencies, stressing the importance of trust, community cooperation and responsible public communication in addressing insecurity.
He noted that the Federal Government had continued to strengthen security measures, including the recent recruitment of more than 50,000 policemen.
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On the economy, Tinubu acknowledged the difficulties associated with the ongoing reforms but said the administration remained committed to ensuring that their benefits translate into improved living conditions.
He said the government would continue to pursue measures aimed at restoring household incomes, creating jobs, improving access to affordable food and strengthening infrastructure and public services.
Tinubu said the Renewed Hope Agenda was designed to reduce hardship, expand opportunities and provide support for vulnerable Nigerians and businesses, while improving education, healthcare, social protection and community resilience.
He, however, acknowledged that governance was a continuous process, stressing the need for government to listen to citizens, correct policies where necessary and strengthen accountability.
The President called on religious leaders to work with government and communities on youth empowerment, education, peacebuilding, civic responsibility and humanitarian support.
He said constructive engagement between government and faith-based institutions was essential to building a more peaceful and cohesive society ahead of the 2027 elections.
Tinubu also urged Nigerians to sustain their patriotism and resilience, assuring that the government would not relent in its efforts to ensure that economic reforms ultimately improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
In his remarks, the President-General of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Professor Leonard Bature Kawas, expressed the organisation’s support for Tinubu’s administration, citing what he described as improvements in religious balance and inclusion in government appointments.
Kawas also said the conference had resolved to support Tinubu for a second term in 2027, while commending the administration’s efforts on security and other national issues.
By PRNigeria
