Politics

Islam, Christianity, Nigeria’s double strength — Adebayo

Published

4 months ago

February 28, 2026

Islam, Christianity, Nigeria’s double strength — Adebayo

Clerics and faithful from the Muslim and Christian communities gathered on Tuesday at the Al-Ahfad Mosque in Gombe for a special Ramadan Iftar aimed at fostering unity and religious tolerance.

Speaking at the event, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Prince Adewole Adebayo, described the coincidence of Ramadan and the Christian Lenten season as a unique opportunity for national rebirth.

“The central message in this holy Ramadan, which coincides with Christians’ Lent, is an opportunity to redeem ourselves, renew our faith, and reflect on who we are as a community,” Adebayo said.

According to him, the presence of Christianity and Islam in Nigeria should be seen as a “double blessing” rather than a source of division. He urged Nigerians to embrace the core values of both religions — peace, justice, and responsible leadership — to build a united and progressive nation.

“If we are united and use the tenets of our religions to raise a new generation, they will not be thinking of how to get rid of each other; rather, they will be thinking of how to get rid of bad leadership,” he stated.

“The faith and characteristics of our religions talk about peace, justice and raising leaders who will unite us together, and the earlier we start, the better for us.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Chief Imam of the mosque, Dr. Umar Dokaji, said the gathering was timely as both Muslims and Christians are observing fasting periods.

He noted that inviting Christian and Islamic scholars to break fast together was a practical demonstration of religious tolerance, especially at a time when the country faces allegations of religious persecution, as well as ethnic and terrorist crises in some parts.

“This kind of gathering will help unite the two major religious faiths and will go a long way in preventing deadly religious crises in the largest Black nation on earth,” Dokaji said, while also calling for support for vulnerable groups and stressing that justice remains key to resolving Nigeria’s lingering challenges.

Also speaking, former North-East Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Reverend Abare Kalla, who represented the Christian invitees, described the joint fasting period as divinely orchestrated.

He said the prayers and supplications offered by Muslims during Ramadan mirror those of Christians during Lent, emphasising that the overwhelming majority of Muslims globally reject terrorism. He added that Christians and Muslims working together can overcome the forces of violence and division threatening the country.

Kalla recalled how Christian and Muslim communities in Nasarawa had previously resolved a misunderstanding over a place of worship amicably, describing it as a model of peaceful coexistence.

The interfaith Iftar brought together Islamic scholars, Christian clerics and community leaders, all united by a common call for peace, justice and national cohesion.

Politics

Why INEC yet to decide NDC’s fate

Published

20 hours ago

June 27, 2026

The Exclusives

Obi, Kwankwaso

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it will not take any action on the status of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) until it receives and reviews the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the recent judgment of the Federal High Court in Lokoja directing the withdrawal of the party’s registration.

A source disclosed that the Commission would study the court’s decision before taking an official position.

“We will apply for the Certified True Copy of the judgment and act in accordance with the court’s decision once it is received,” the official said.

The Federal High Court in Lokoja had, in a ruling delivered on Friday, reversed an earlier judgment of December 10, 2025, after finding that not all parties affected by the matter were joined in the suit.

The earlier judgment, which paved the way for the registration of the NDC as a political party, was challenged because it overlooked the interests of the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which claimed ownership of the logo used by the NDC in securing its registration.

Counsel to the PMP, C.S. Ekeocha, said the latest ruling effectively nullified every action taken on the strength of the previous judgment.

According to him, “The recognition of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, the issuance of its certificate of registration, its inclusion in INEC’s records, and any appearance on ballot papers arising from that judgment must be withdrawn pending the final determination of the substantive suit.”

Sources said INEC is currently studying the Certified True Copy of the judgment and will determine its next line of action after completing its review.

Politics

2027: Salihu’s emergence as Kwara APC guber candidate excites lawmaker

Published

21 hours ago

June 27, 2026

The Exclusives

Saba

A member of the House of Representatives representing Edu/Moro/Patigi Federal Constituency, Dr Ahmed Adamu Saba, has commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and President Bola Tinubu over the emergence of Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Engr Yakubu Danladi Salihu, as the gubernatorial flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 election.

Ajiya Shaba, in a statement made available to journalists in Ilorin, described AbdulRazaq as a true leader who meant well for the people in view of his landmark achievements across all sectors of the economy, which have had maximum positive impacts on the people and the support of zoning the governorship ticket to Kwara North.

Saba, in the statement, said it’s a welcome development and an historic achievement for the people of Kwara North, noting that it has further strengthened their sense of belonging and inclusion in the political affairs of Kwara State.

The lawmaker, Chairman of the Belgium-Nigeria Parliamentary Friendship Group, also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the emergence of the Speaker, Yakubu Danladi Salihu, in the strategic leadership position, describing it as a monumental achievement for the people of Kwara North.

According to the lawmaker, the emergence of Saihui is a clear demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to fairness, inclusiveness, and equitable representation.

The Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Pension and National Assembly Matters, in the statement expressed confidence in the ability of the Speaker to consolidate on the achievements of Governor AbdulRazaq to further develop not only Kwara North, but the entire state as a whole.

The lawmaker also joined the traditional rulers, APC leaders, and other stakeholders across Kwara State to support the emergence of the party’s flagbearer in the 2027 election.

He stated that the recognition accorded to Kwara North has rekindled hope among the people and reinforced their confidence in the leadership of the President.

“It gives the people of Kwara North a greater sense of belonging in Kwara politics. We believe this opportunity will inspire more progress, unity, and development across the region,” Saba said.

He expressed confidence that Kwara North would continue to contribute positively to the growth and advancement of the state, adding that the zone is prepared to justify the confidence reposed in it through dedicated service and support for good governance.

Saba further congratulated Salihu on his emergence and urged him to remain committed to excellence, integrity, and the collective interest of the people.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to working with all stakeholders to promote unity, development, and sustainable progress across Kwara State and Nigeria.

Politics

State police excites Kaduna governor

Published

4 days ago

June 24, 2026

The Exclusives

Uba Sani

The governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has expressed optimism about the creation of state police, saying the problem of insecurity in Nigeria would be solved.

The Nigerian Senate passed a constitutional amendment bill establishing state police to operate concurrently with the existing federal structure.

Speaking during a live interview on Channels TV, the governor said that at the initial stage, many people were opposed to the idea of the creation of the state police, but today many of them have supported the idea.

Answering a question about who to hold accountable between the governor, the commissioner or the federal government, if the idea of the state police failed, he said he was optimistic that the state police would address the problem of insecurity in Nigeria.

According to Uba, “Honestly speaking, I’m very optimistic about it. It (state police) is going to be successful. That was my thinking in 2020; I still believe it right now. Many people who were opposed to it at the beginning are now supporting it.”

Uba revealed that lawmakers such as Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, who opposed the idea when it was raised in 2020, are now supporting it, adding that “Because they have sat down, and they have seen that things are changing.”

He advised Nigerians not to be sceptical about something we have not tested.