Religious leaders have called on Nigerian youths to reject electoral violence and promote peaceful participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
They made the appeal at a National Youth Assembly for Democratic Resilience organised by the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria in Abuja. The event brought together Christian and Muslim youth leaders under the theme, “Empowering Youth Voices Against Electoral Violence.”
Keynote speaker Rev. Fr. Canice Enyiaka said young Nigerians should not allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence during elections. He cited research indicating that about 2,444 Nigerians died in electoral violence between 1999 and 2023.
Enyiaka urged young people to use their votes to choose leaders, their voices to promote truth and their efforts to build their communities. He also encouraged responsible social media use to counter hate and misinformation.
Islamic scholar Sheikh Nuru Lemu said young people had a major role in promoting democracy and urged political parties to focus on policies, development and good governance rather than religious or ethnic divisions.
Global Peace Foundation Nigeria Country Director Rev. Joseph Hayab said peaceful elections strengthened accountability and helped ensure elected officials served the public effectively.
Representatives of Christian and Muslim youth organisations pledged to take the message to communities, campuses and places of worship, expressing hope that the 2027 elections would be peaceful and credible.
