The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria and the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations have signed an inter-religious peace accord. The summit held in Lagos on Saturday. The groups urged Nigerian youths to eschew violence and bloodshed in the 2027 general elections. They said the election would be a litmus test for Nigeria’s unity.
Nigeria’s elections have been marred by religious violence. In 2019 and 2023, clashes occurred in several states. Politicians have exploited religious divisions. In September 2026, YOWICAN and NACOMYO signed a similar accord in Abuja. The Lagos summit is a follow-up. It aims to mobilise youths at the grassroots level. Religious leaders have increasingly spoken against political violence.
The CAN Chairman, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, said the peace accord aims to foster religious tolerance and reject political violence. He faulted politicians making derogatory utterances against opponents. “When there is no trust, there is room for acrimony, suspicion and bickering,” he said. He urged youths to be exemplary. Alhaji Shehu Ibrahim, National Secretary of NACOMYO, said the peace accord is important to Muslim youths. He said Muslim leaders are contacting imams to use Juma’at services and Islamic schools to preach peace. The APC Youth Leader in Lagos, Damilare Orimoloye, said peace should reign supreme. Nnamdi Obasi, Chairman of YOWICAN South West, emphasised the need to bring Christian and Muslim youths closer. He advised youths to resist attempts by politicians to use them as thugs. The event drew religious leaders and youth representatives.
Winners: The youths, who gain a platform. Religious leaders, who show leadership. The peace accord, which gains visibility. The 2027 election, if violence is reduced. Losers: Politicians who exploit religious divisions. Thugs, who face resistance. The cycle of violence, which faces a challenge. Nigerians, if the pact is ignored.
Bottom Line: Christian and Muslim youths signed a peace pact. They rejected violence. Politicians must listen. The 2027 election will test the commitment. The pact is a promise. The youths must keep it.