Akume Urges Clerics, Traditional Leaders to Promote Tolerance Ahead of 2027 Polls

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has called on religious and traditional leaders across Nigeria to promote tolerance, strengthen grassroots mobilisation and foster peaceful coexistence as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Akume made the appeal on Wednesday in Abuja while addressing the first triannual meeting of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), held under the theme, “Religious Literacy for National Cohesion.”

He said faith-based and traditional institutions have a critical role in promoting unity and preventing actions that could trigger violence before, during and after elections.

According to him, as Nigeria approaches the end of the current political cycle, leaders at the grassroots must intensify collaboration, youth education and peace-building efforts.

“The 2027 general elections are fast approaching, and NIREC, through our religious and traditional leaders, has the responsibility to strengthen collaboration, promote tolerance and ensure the protection of lives and property in our communities,” Akume said.

He stressed that peaceful elections begin with responsible leadership, urging stakeholders to guard against manipulation capable of creating division within communities.

Akume noted that Nigeria’s religious and cultural diversity makes tolerance and religious literacy essential for national cohesion, adding that understanding different beliefs is key to building trust and sustaining peace.

He highlighted the growing importance of NIREC in promoting dialogue and mutual understanding, warning that stereotypes, misinformation, insecurity and identity-based divisions continue to threaten national stability.

“The world today faces challenges driven by misunderstanding, stereotypes and the weaponisation of identity,” he said, cautioning that such factors often fuel conflict and violence.

The SGF said government’s role is to promote unity and responsible citizenship, not to politicise religion or encourage intolerance.

He also emphasised the need to improve the quality of religious education through better teacher training, learning materials and value-based teaching that promotes empathy and respect.

Raising concerns about insecurity in the education sector, Akume warned that attacks on schools and prolonged closures are worsening the country’s education crisis.

He called for stronger implementation of safe school policies to ensure uninterrupted learning.

“A child cannot learn in fear, and a nation cannot promote literacy when schools are under threat,” he said.

Akume further stressed that religious literacy must be complemented by media and information literacy to curb the spread of misinformation and hate speech.

He referenced Nigeria’s collaboration with UNESCO on the International Media and Information Literacy Institute, noting that citizens must be equipped to verify information and reject false narratives.

He urged schools, religious bodies, universities, media organisations and traditional institutions to work together in raising responsible citizens who value peace, patriotism and mutual respect.

Describing religious leaders as the conscience of society, Akume called on them to use their influence to resolve conflicts, discourage hatred and promote truth.

He warned against the misuse of religion to justify violence, discrimination and falsehood, saying such actions undermine both faith and national unity.

The SGF disclosed that the Federal Government has begun putting measures in place to support religious and traditional institutions in maintaining peace ahead of the elections, adding that further engagement would follow the council’s recommendations.

Akume expressed optimism that the meeting would produce practical solutions to strengthen tolerance, national unity and peaceful coexistence as Nigeria heads towards the 2027 general elections.

— Signed: Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the SGF