By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Religious leaders and traditional rulers in Nigeria have been called upon to reject divisive politics and act as architects of peace to ensure violence-free elections in 2027.
The call was made on Thursday at the 9th Interfaith Conference
organized by the Interfaith Dialogue Forum For Peace, (IDFP), in collaboration with the International Dialogue Centre and the Bauchi State Government, held at the Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre, Bauchi,
With the theme: “Non-violent Elections: The Role of Faith and Traditional Leaders in Nigeria,”_ the forum brought together religious leaders, traditional rulers, government officials and community elders.
While delivering the keynote, Dr. Abdullahi Abubakar Lamido of the International Institute of Islamic Banking and Finance, Bayero University, Kano, said democracy must be measured by how citizens disagree, not just by voting.
According to him, “A lost vote can be replaced. A lost election can be contested. But a lost life can never be regained. Democracy should serve as an instrument for the protection of human life.”
Abdullahi Lamido argued that peaceful elections are a moral issue, not just a security one, saying, “We think of peaceful elections as policing and laws. But before violence appears on the streets, it first appears in the hearts.”
He also urged religious leaders to build public conscience around fear of God, tolerance, compassion, mercy and mutual understanding, and listed six Qur’anic pillars for democratic conduct: Justice, Consultation, Human Dignity, Trust, Verification of Information, and Reconciliation.
He also called on politicians and supporters to accept results in good faith, avoid hate speech, and verify information before sharing it.
“When history remembers the elections of tomorrow, may it remember how many lives were protected, not just how many votes were counted,” he added.
Also speaking, Rev. Dr. Zaka Ahuche of the Theological College of Northern Nigeria (TCNN), warned leaders against being used to sow division among Nigerians by any means.
Using the parable of three cows betrayed one by one to a lion, he said Nigerians once lived peacefully across faith lines but trust has eroded and led to the present living situation of suspense and suspect.
According to him, “Violence knows no religion. A bomb knows no ethnicity. Choose wisely. Play your role well.”
The conference, attended by the State Governor, Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed and other dignitaries, ended with a call for sustained dialogue.
Organizers said town hall meetings will follow across the state to rebuild trust among youths, religious groups and traditional institutions ahead of future elections.
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