The Northern Muslims/Christians for Peace and Progress Initiative has expressed support for a peace accord signed by Christian and Muslim youth groups in Nigeria. The initiative, led by National Coordinator Bukar Al-Amin, said the agreement could strengthen religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence across the country. The peace accord was signed in Abuja during the 2026 National Christian Youth Security Summit and Thanksgiving Service organised by the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria.
The agreement between the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) and the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO) focuses on promoting peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance, and responsible participation by young people in the electoral process. The two groups also pledged to reject political violence and other actions capable of creating tension between communities during the election period. The summit drew delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as the six geopolitical zones.
The peace accord was signed on the sidelines of a three-day event held at the National Christian Centre under the theme, “Empowered for Leadership, Service and Nation Building.” Youth representatives, religious leaders, government officials, and security stakeholders participated in the summit. The initiative said the significance of the accord goes beyond the formal signing ceremony and should be translated into practical actions in communities across the country.
The Northern Muslims/Christians for Peace and Progress Initiative commended Barr. Seyi Tinubu for his role in supporting the initiative and promoting engagement across religious and social lines. Seyi Tinubu was recognised during the youth security summit with the title of Christian Youth Peace Ambassador, following his involvement in youth empowerment and peaceful coexistence initiatives.
The initiative said such efforts were important because young people make up a major part of Nigeria’s population and are often at the centre of political mobilisation during elections. It urged youths not to allow themselves to be used to promote hatred, violence, or religious division. The group further warned against the use of religion as a tool for political manipulation.
The initiative stressed that political competition should remain within the bounds of democratic participation and should not degenerate into violence. It said Christian and Muslim youths should be able to support different political parties and candidates without becoming enemies because of their religious identities. The group also pledged to support efforts aimed at expanding the peace accord beyond the national level.
The initiative said it was prepared to work with YOWICAN, NACOMYO, religious organisations, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and other youth bodies to promote the objectives of the accord. It said cooperation among the different stakeholders would be necessary to ensure that the agreement does not remain limited to Abuja or become another document without practical impact.
Key points
- The peace accord was signed by Christian and Muslim youth groups to promote peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- The initiative commended Barr. Seyi Tinubu for his role in supporting the initiative and promoting engagement across religious and social lines.
- The group pledged to support efforts aimed at expanding the peace accord beyond the national level to promote peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance.
