Key facts
- Over 50 Muslim and Christian leaders in Nigeria signed an interfaith peace accord.
- The accord aims to promote religious harmony and counter divisive rhetoric.
- A new body will be established to foster interfaith cooperation.
- The signing ceremony was organized by the Muslim World League.
- The accord comes ahead of the 2027 general election where religion is expected to be a factor.
More than 50 Muslim and Christian leaders in Nigeria have signed an interfaith peace accord in Abuja, establishing a new body to promote religious harmony across the country. The accord, signed at a conference organized by the Saudi Arabia-based Muslim World League, aims to counter divisive rhetoric and foster cooperation between the nation's two major faiths.
Nigeria's population of over 200 million is roughly divided between a predominantly Muslim north and a largely Christian south. The signing comes months after U.S. President Donald Trump referred to Nigeria as a "disgraced country" and threatened military action over the treatment of Christians by "Islamic Terrorists." While Islamist insurgents like Boko Haram and ISWAP have caused widespread devastation for over 15 years, their attacks have primarily affected the Muslim-majority northeast, with analysts and rights groups noting that the majority of victims have been Muslim.
Leaders at the signing expressed optimism about turning a new page. John Praise Daniel, chairman of the Northern Christian Religious Leaders' Assembly, hoped the pact would curb hate speech and disrespect among clerics. Khalid Abubakar, secretary-general of Jama'atu Nasri Islam, emphasized that the accord is about working together in harmony. Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, representing President Bola Tinubu, stated the government's determination to maintain national unity despite differences. The accord is also seen in the context of the upcoming January 2027 election, where religion is anticipated to play a significant role.