The Youth Wing of the Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) and the National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations (NACOMYO) have appealed to Nigerians youths to eschew violence and bloodshed in the forthcoming 2027 General Elections.
The groups said the elections would be a litmus test for Nigeria’s unity and should not be traded for anything.
The groups made this known at an inter-religious peace accord summit they organised in Lagos on Saturday.
Truthng recalls that the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria and the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations on Sept. 4 in Abuja also signed a peace accord ahead of the elections.
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, said at the Lagos summit that the peace accord was aimed at fostering religious tolerance.
He said that the peace accord was also aimed at rejecting political violence and promoting peaceful coexistence ahead of the elections.
Adegbite faulted politicians making derogatory utterances against their opponents, saying the nation could not afford war.
“It is because we don’t have trust in one another, and when there is no trust, there is room for acrimony, suspicion, and bickering.
“What we must do is what youths have done today. Both Christian and Muslims youths have done well to bring peace and restore confidence in our great nation.
“We must work together in oneness and togetherness. That is the only way we can achieve greatness to the glory of God,” he said.
Adegbite urged the youths to be exemplary so that other Nigerians would emulate them.
He said that the summit was to show the world that the two religions would desire peace before, during and after the elections.
“Romans 12:18 tells us to live in peace with ourselves. Even in Qur’an, there are verses that speak about peace,” he said.
Alhaji Shehu Ibrahim, the National Secretary of NACOMYO, said that the peace accord was important to Muslims youth in the country.
The All Progressives Congress Youth Leader in Lagos State, Mr Damilare Orimoloye, said the summit was to let Nigerians youths understand that peace should reign supreme.
“Peace speaks against violence—how to tolerate each other, showing love amid misunderstanding.
Mr Nnamdi Obasi, the Chairman, Youth Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria, South West, emphasized the need to bring closer Christian and Muslim youths and prevent politicians from using them as thugs.
“We need to make youths understand that we are one,” he said.
Obasi advised youths to love one another and resist attempts by politicians to use them to cause violence.
