President Bola Tinubu, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, and former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (Rtd), on Wednesday called on Nigerians to embrace peace, unity, and tolerance as the nation prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The leaders made the appeal in separate Eid-el-Kabir messages and prayers across the country, urging citizens to shun hatred, violence, and divisive politics.
President Tinubu, who observed the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at Dodan Barracks, Lagos Island, urged Nigerians to reflect on the spiritual lessons of the season by showing love, generosity, and respect for one another.
Speaking after the prayers attended by top government officials and political leaders, Tinubu said the teachings of Islam reject violence, banditry, and the killing of innocent people.
“We thank God Almighty Allah for providing for us and keeping us to see another Eid. We thank Him for His mercy, and we must learn from the lessons of this season, and it is showing love to one another,” the president said.
“There should be no discrimination, ethnicity, or hatred. We should share love and be generous to one another in a way that reflects the values of our country and our humanity.”
Tinubu stressed the need for tolerance and obedience to the rule of law, saying peaceful coexistence remained essential for national stability.
“On the issue of insecurity, nowhere in the teachings does it say you should engage in banditry or kill another human being,” he added.
Among dignitaries who joined the President for the prayers were the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor Kadri Hamzat; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu; and former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola.
In Sokoto, the Sultan of Sokoto urged Muslims to intensify prayers for Nigeria and its leaders ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Sultan, who is also President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, said sustained prayers were necessary for the emergence of responsible and capable leaders.
“Our prayers are always the guiding light towards the choice of our leaders; therefore, we should sustain more prayers in our quest for the best country we desire,” he said.
He called on Nigerians to continue supporting government at all levels while holding firmly to the virtues of sacrifice, devotion, and worship demonstrated during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
The Sultan described the festival as a period of sacrifice, love, and celebration and prayed for peace, unity, and prosperity across the country.
He also commended Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu for efforts aimed at improving the welfare of residents and tackling insecurity in the state.
The monarch further praised the state government’s support for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise and prayed for their safe return.
Similarly, former military ruler, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, called on politicians and citizens to embrace politics without bitterness to strengthen democracy and allow Nigerians to elect credible leaders.
Speaking after observing the Eid prayers at the Minna Eid ground in Niger State, Abdulsalami described peace as the foundation for meaningful national development.
He urged Nigerians across ethnic and religious divides to continue praying for unity and stability in the country.
The former Head of State also prayed for Nigeria to overcome its current economic and security challenges.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago, in his Eid message, advised Muslims to seek forgiveness and pray for peace and economic prosperity in the country.
Bago expressed optimism that Nigeria would witness better days through collective sacrifice, mutual respect, and commitment to nation-building.
He urged Nigerians not to lose hope but to remain steadfast in working towards a brighter future for the country.
Among dignitaries present at the Eid prayers in Minna were former Niger State Governor, Dr Mu’azu Aliyu; the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Bahago; Mohammed Babangida; Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman; and members of the State Executive Council.