Isiaka Aderibigbe, an Islamic cleric, has urged Nigerians to pray for peaceful general elections in 2027. 

Mr Aderibigbe, founder of Almitiyas Islamic Nursery and Primary School, made the call while delivering a sermon on Friday in Lagos. 

He said peaceful elections were key to strengthening democracy and promoting good governance.

The cleric also urged politicians and their supporters to shun violence before, during, and after the elections.

According to him, elections should not be a do-or-die affair.

He added that politicians should see elections as an opportunity to serve the people, not as a reason to promote hatred, violence, or division among communities.

“Political contests should not turn brothers against one another; peaceful coexistence is very important.

“Whoever seeks public office must understand that lives are more important than political ambitions,” he said.

The cleric urged political parties and their supporters to conduct their activities peacefully.

He said political differences should not destroy existing relationships among family members, friends, and members of the same community.

“We can disagree politically without becoming enemies.

“Our politicians and followers should respect one another and allow the people to make their choices freely without intimidation or violence,” he said.

Mr Aderibigbe also appealed to religious leaders, traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to intensify efforts to promote peaceful political participation before, during, and after the elections.

“Religious and community leaders have an important role to play in preaching peace.

“We must continue to remind our followers that violence has no place in a democratic society,” he said.

He advised youths not to allow politicians to use them to perpetrate violence, noting that they would be among the greatest victims whenever political crises occurred.

“Our youths should reject every offer that could make them instruments of violence.

“No political position is worth the life, future or freedom of any young Nigerian,” he said.

The Islamic cleric called on politicians to embrace issue-based campaigns and present programmes that address the challenges confronting Nigerians, rather than engaging in personal attacks and inflammatory statements.

“Let the campaigns be about development, education, employment, security and better living conditions for the people.

“Nigerians deserve constructive debates and peaceful elections,” Mr Aderibigbe said.

He urged Nigerians to support efforts by relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure credible, peaceful and transparent electoral processes.

“Our collective prayer should be for an election that will unite the country rather than divide it.

“Peace must remain our priority before, during and after every election,” he said.

(NAN)