Akume Calls on Clerics, Traditional Leaders to Promote Tolerance Ahead of 2027 Elections

Akume Calls on Clerics, Traditional Leaders to Promote Tolerance Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, on Wednesday called on religious and traditional leaders to deepen tolerance and promote peaceful coexistence as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the SGF.

Akume said faith-based and traditional institutions must take the lead in fostering understanding among citizens and preventing manipulation that could trigger violence before, during, and after the polls.

He made the call in Abuja at the first triannual meeting of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), held at Rockview Hotel under the theme, “Religious Literacy for National Cohesion.”

“The 2027 general elections are fast approaching, and NIREC, through traditional and religious leaders, faith-based organisations and youth associations, has the moral responsibility to strengthen collaboration, grassroots mobilisation, youth education, and peaceful coexistence in our communities,” he said.

Akume stressed that Nigeria’s religious and cultural diversity makes tolerance and religious literacy essential for national cohesion. He noted that understanding one another’s beliefs and practices is key to building trust and sustaining peace, while warning that stereotypes, misinformation, insecurity, and identity-based divisions often fuel violence and hostility.

He added that government’s role is not to politicise religion but to strengthen civic responsibility among Nigerians. While religious studies are already part of the school curriculum, he said priority should be placed on improving teaching quality through better teacher preparation, effective learning materials, and classroom values that encourage empathy, respect, and responsible citizenship.

The SGF also raised concern over insecurity in the education sector, warning that attacks on schools and prolonged closures in unsafe areas are worsening Nigeria’s education crisis. “A child cannot learn fraternity in fear; a nation cannot preach literacy while schools are under threat,” he said.

Akume further stressed that religious literacy must go hand in hand with media and information literacy to counter misinformation and hate speech. He referenced the recent launch of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute by Nigeria and UNESCO, urging citizens to verify information and reject falsehoods designed to divide society.

He called on schools, faith communities, universities, media organisations, and traditional institutions to work together to raise a new generation of Nigerians who embrace faith, patriotism, humility, and peaceful coexistence.

Akume warned against the misuse of religion to justify falsehood, discrimination, violence, and bloodshed, insisting that such acts undermine both faith and national unity.

The SGF disclosed that the Federal Government has put machinery in place to support religious and traditional institutions in ensuring peace and security across communities ahead of the elections. He added that his office would engage further with stakeholders after receiving NIREC’s recommendations.

Akume urged participants to prioritise literacy in all forms, describing it as central to peace-building, institutional trust, stability, and national unity. He expressed optimism that the council’s deliberations would produce practical solutions for strengthening tolerance and national cohesion ahead of 2027.