2027 Should Not Divide Nigerians Along Religious, Ethnic Lines – Northern Christian Elders

Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) has warned that the 2027 elections should not be another election cycle to divide Nigerians along religious, ethnic and regional lines.

The forum, while maintaining that Nigerians must demand a higher standard of politics, called on political actors to conduct their campaigns peacefully and responsibly and to reject hate speech, religious incitement, ethnic mobilisation, intimidation and electoral violence.

A statement issued by the forum’s chairman, Elder Sunday Oibe, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, said elections should be about the future of Nigeria and not merely the acquisition of political power.

The statement said, “We need a new national commitment to justice, equity, security, accountability, responsible leadership, economic opportunity and genuine national reconciliation.

“Our Independence Anniversary should remind us that Nigeria belongs to all of us. No region, ethnic group, religious community or political party owns Nigeria.

NOSCEF added, “The Nigeria of our dreams is still possible, but achieving it requires leadership that listens, institutions that work, citizens who remain vigilant and a political culture that places national interest above personal and sectional interests.

“Therefore, while we may not have achieved all that we ought to have achieved after 66 years of independence, we must not surrender to despair. Nigeria must be renewed. Nigeria must be united. Nigeria must work for all its citizens,” the statement stated.