Speaker Abbas Urges Religious Leaders to Champion Peace Ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Elections
Abuja, Nigeria—September 22, 2026—Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has described religious bodies as critical stakeholders whose influence can help deliver peaceful, free, fair and credible general elections in 2027.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday when the Religious Network for Peace and Development visited him, Abbas restated the Federal Parliament’s firm commitment to credible polls. He urged religious leaders across the country to deploy their moral authority and community reach to promote peace before, during and after the elections.
“Religious organizations remain formidable bodies that people respect and listen to,” the Speaker said.
He called on the network and other faith groups to intensify activities during the campaign period and on election day itself so that Nigeria can conduct a successful and peaceful electoral process.
Grand Patron Appointment and Commitment to Partnership
During the meeting, the Religious Network for Peace and Development appointed Abbas its Grand Patron and sought his support for its nationwide campaign for peace and unity.
A former Kano State Governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, who led the delegation, presented the letter of appointment along with a catalogue of the group’s past activities and its planned programmes for the 2027 elections.
Accepting the role, Abbas said he felt “very elated” and “humbled.” He assured the organization he would not be a passive patron.
“I want to assure you I will not be a passive member or patron,” he stated, adding that the House of Representatives remains a solid partner of the network.
Abbas also noted that, together with the Secretary of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, Hon. James Faleke, he would convey the group’s activities and messages to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Focus on Good Governance and National Unity
Senator Shekarau explained that the Religious Network for Peace and Development has operated for more than three decades and draws members from diverse religious organizations.
With the 2027 elections approaching, the body intends to mobilize communities, especially young people and faith groups, towards peaceful cooperation and the ultimate goal of good governance.
The visit comes as political activities intensify across Nigeria ahead of the next general elections. Stakeholders from various sectors have increasingly emphasized the need for religious and traditional leaders to help curb violence, hate speech, and divisive rhetoric.
Abbas’s remarks reinforce growing calls for interfaith collaboration in safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic process.
By positioning religious leaders as active partners rather than bystanders, the Speaker highlighted the practical role faith communities can play in reducing tensions and encouraging peaceful civic participation.
As the country prepares for what many view as a defining electoral cycle, the message from the National Assembly leadership is clear: peaceful elections require the deliberate engagement of every trusted institution, starting with the pulpits and mosques that millions of Nigerians listen to every week.
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