Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has called on Nigerians, especially residents of Kaduna State, to remain united and resist attempts to use politics, religion or ethnicity to divide the people ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governor made the appeal during the 2026 Friends Day Worship Service organised by ECWA Gospel Church, Lemu Road, Tudun Nupawa, Kaduna, where Muslims, Christians, traditional rulers and community leaders gathered to promote peace and unity.
Represented by the Acting Director of Christian Matters, Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith, Gabriel Joseph Shemang, Governor Sani said his administration would continue supporting programmes that promote religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and interfaith dialogue across the state.
Describing the annual event as a symbol of unity, the governor said Nigerians must continue building trust and understanding despite their differences.
“This event is marked by an atmosphere of reflection and mutual respect, underscoring the need to build bridges of trust and understanding amid our diversity, which remains our strength,” he said.
Sani also urged religious leaders to continue preaching peace and encouraging harmonious relationships among people of different faiths.
In his welcome address, the Senior Pastor of ECWA Gospel Church, Rev. Joshua Anyam, warned politicians against turning churches into campaign venues as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Our Friends Day is not organised as a political campaign platform, and we do not expect anyone to use it as such. The Church is non-partisan,” Anyam said.
The cleric explained that the annual programme was created to encourage friendship, unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds.
Quoting Saudat Muhammad, described as the first Muslim student to graduate from Our Lady of Hope College, Yarkasuwa, Class of 2026, he stressed the importance of respecting differences.
“Unity in diversity does not mean everyone becomes the same. It means choosing to stand together while respecting our differences,” he said.
Rev. Anyam also warned against leaders who exploit religion, ethnicity and politics for personal gain, saying such actions only fuel division and conflict.
He expressed concern over Nigeria’s security challenges, economic hardship and political uncertainty, noting that many citizens continue to live in fear due to terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies, he said more must be done to restore public confidence and improve security.
“We must unite against violence and criminality. Those responsible for these crimes, including their sponsors and collaborators, must be brought to justice,” he added.
Delivering the sermon, Most Rev. Josiah Idowu-Fearon urged Nigerians to embrace God’s unconditional love, saying genuine love goes beyond religious, ethnic and social differences.
He encouraged citizens to build stronger relationships based on mutual respect, understanding and peaceful coexistence.
Other dignitaries at the event, including Kaduna South Local Government Chairman Rayyan Hussaini, lawmaker Amos Gwamna Magaji, elder statesman Alhaji Shehu Mahdi, and the Sarki Dutse, also emphasised that sustainable development can only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace, unity and religious harmony.
