By Oluwakemi Kindness
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has urged religious leaders to use their influence to promote peace before, during and after the 2027 general elections.
Abbas made the call in Abuja on Tuesday when the Religious Network for Peace and Development visited him to present its programmes ahead of next year’s elections.
The Speaker said religious organisations remain influential because they command the respect and attention of many Nigerians.
He urged the network and other religious bodies to “step up activities during the campaigns and the elections” to support the peaceful conduct of the polls.
Abbas also restated the commitment of the federal parliament to free, fair and credible elections in 2027. He said the House would support initiatives aimed at promoting peace and unity.
During the visit, the Religious Network appointed Abbas as its Grand Patron and sought his support for its peace campaign ahead of the elections.
Accepting the appointment, Abbas described it as an honour and said he would not be a passive patron. He also said the House was a “solid partner” of the organisation.
Abbas said he would, alongside the Secretary of the Presidential Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress, James Faleke, convey the network’s activities to President Bola Tinubu.
Former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, who led the delegation, said the network had existed for more than three decades and comprised members from different religious organisations.
Shekarau said the group would mobilise communities, particularly youths and religious organisations, towards peaceful cooperation across the country. He said its ultimate concern was good governance.
