The Chief Imam of the University of Ibadan, Professor Olatunde Uthman, has urged Nigerian politicians to shun violence and embrace peace as the 2027 general elections draw nearer.
Uthman gave the advice on Sunday while delivering a lecture at a fundraising event organised for the completion of Ajibode Oke Ona Central Mosque in Ibadan.
The event was attended by the Chairman of Akinyele Local Government Area, Hon. Wole Akinleye; the Chief Imam of Ajibode Oke Ona, Alhaji Abdul Fatai Aiki; the Coordinator of Ajibode Muslim Community, Dr Abdul Waheed Bayo Busari; Dr Daud Alaga; Chairman of the planning committee, Pharmacist Lukman Akinwande; and a former Head of Akinyele Local Government, Dr Ayodele Busari.
Other attendees included the APM senatorial candidate for Oyo Central, Ambassador Olufemi Oguntoyinbo, who was represented; the senator representing Oyo Central, Dr Yunus Akintunde, represented by Hon. Olumide Alli; and the Accord senatorial candidate for Oyo Central, Hon. Sakirullahi Orankan, represented by Sheikh Lukman AlHasaana.
Also present were the APM House of Representatives candidate for Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency, Hon. Toheeb Adegoke, and the party’s candidate for Akinyele State Constituency II, Hon. Solomon Olalere.
Addressing the gathering, Uthman charged politicians and their supporters to shun all forms of violence before, during and after the elections.
He also advised them to use their wealth in a godly manner and work towards improving citizens’ living standards.
Uthman said, “As we are preparing for the 2027 general elections, let us continue to live in peace. We should not engage in violence before, during and after elections.
“I want you to continue the way you have been doing, just the way you embraced each other. God created all of us in a way to have different opinions on all aspects of human endeavours. We have different opinions on matters related to religion, politics and even academics. Scholars have different opinions about issues. We should not allow that to cause a crisis among us.
“God said what He wants from all of us, either as Muslims or Christians, is to compete favourably. To ensure that people’s welfare is paramount in our hearts. Religion should not cause problems for us. Even parties should not be a source of crisis. Let us spend in God’s way.”
In his welcome address, Dr Abdul Waheed Bayo Busari said that as Nigerians prepared for the 2027 general elections, political office seekers should play by the rules.
2027: Shun violence, embrace peace - UI Chief Imam charges politicians