By Jude Opara
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has called on Nigerians and political actors to protect the country’s unity as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 general elections.
Yilwatda warned that political competition must not be allowed to deepen religious, ethnic or regional divisions, urging citizens to draw lessons from the teachings and virtues of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in promoting peace, tolerance and national cohesion.
The APC chairman made the call in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant, Malam Yusuf Dingyadi, on Sunday in Sokoto, to mark the 1448 Eid-ul-Maulud celebration.
Yilwatda, while congratulating Muslims and Nigerians on the occasion, said the celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on the values of compassion, justice, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
He urged Nigerians to regard the country’s diversity as an asset rather than a source of division, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the next general elections.
“I urge Nigerians to see our diversity not as a weakness, but as a source of strength. As we approach another electoral season, we must reject division, intolerance and violence,” he said.
The APC chairman stressed that political ambitions should not be pursued at the expense of the relationships and shared national identity that bind Nigerians together.
“No political contest should destroy the bonds of brotherhood and national unity that bind us together,” Yilwatda warned.
He also called on Muslims to use the Maulud celebration to pray for peace, improved security, prosperity and wisdom for the country’s leaders.
According to him, despite the challenges confronting the country, Nigeria remains endowed with immense human potential, resilience and opportunities for development.
Yilwatda expressed optimism about the country’s future and prayed for divine guidance for political and national leaders to steer Nigeria towards greater prosperity.
He also wished Muslims and other Nigerians a peaceful and spiritually rewarding Eid-ul-Maulud celebration.
The Federal Government had declared Tuesday a public holiday to mark the 1448 Eid-ul-Maulud celebration across the country.
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