Abuja: The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) and the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO) have signed a peace accord ahead of the 2027 general elections. The historic signing took place at the National Christian Centre during the 2026 National Christian Youth Security Summit and Thanksgiving Service, held under the theme: ‘Empowered for Leadership, Service and Nation Building.’
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the peace accord aims to foster religious tolerance, reject political violence, and promote peaceful coexistence ahead of the upcoming elections. The three-day summit brought together security officials, government representatives, Church leaders, and youth delegates from across Nigeria’s 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), five CAN blocs, and six geopolitical zones.
Delivering his welcome address, the National Chairman of YOWICAN, Ven. Evang. Ademola Arowolo, described the peace accord as a ‘covenant of hope and a declaration of unity’ de
signed to curb electoral violence and interfaith friction. He emphasized the importance of security and urged young people to resist political thuggery and vote-buying as the country prepares for the next electoral cycle.
Corroborating the commitment, the National President of NACOMYO, Sani Sulaiman-Maigoro, stressed the importance of interfaith solidarity to defeat security threats and political manipulation. He emphasized the need for unity among Nigerians, regardless of religious, ethnic, or sectional lines.
Representing President Bola Tinubu and First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, urged young people not to allow politicians to use them as instruments of destruction. He highlighted the importance of cooperation between Muslims and Christians for national progress.
The President of CAN, Most Rev. Daniel Okoh, encouraged Christian youths to become nation-builders and moral exemplars. He urged them to rise be
yond past limitations and reject violence, hatred, and manipulation.
Highlighting the security perspective, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), noted that peace was essential for youth productivity. Represented by Mr. Musa Likita, Special Adviser on Security and Intelligence, he emphasized the role of youth in national development and urged them to avoid exploitation by extremist forces or criminal elements.