Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has accused some politicians of mobilising poor and vulnerable Nigerians, particularly young people, to cause violence and anarchy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mr Sani made the allegation on Monday during a special interfaith dialogue involving traditional rulers and Christian and Muslim religious leaders in Kaduna.
He urged religious leaders to caution politicians against encouraging vulnerable people to take part in violent protests or actions capable of threatening peace and democratic stability.
“You have a responsibility to caution politicians because of what I’m seeing in Nigeria today,” the governor said.
“A lot of politicians are instigating the downtrodden, our children, to cause violence and anarchy, to the detriment of our democracy.”
Mr Sani questioned why politicians who call on Nigerians to take to the streets do not ask their own children to lead such protests.
He said the children most exposed to the dangers of political violence were often from poor families, while the children of politicians were frequently outside the country.
“Why can’t you make your children lead, or you lead?” he asked.
“Unfortunately, you never see the children of the politicians. Their children are either in London, Dubai or America. But most of the children on the street are the children of the poor.”
The governor, who recalled his own experience as an activist and his detention under previous military governments, said political disagreements should not be allowed to turn into hatred or violence.
He stressed that Nigerians had the right to hold different political opinions without resorting to confrontation.
“Everyone has the right to his own opinion. We can disagree, but we don’t have to hate each other. We don’t have to try to instigate violence,” he said.
Mr Sani also called on northern political and religious leaders to ensure that the region was not plunged into crisis during the 2027 elections.
He said elections would inevitably produce winners and losers, but argued that the peaceful conduct of the electoral process should remain the priority.
“There must be a winner and loser. But what is more important is the peaceful conduct of elections in Nigeria,” he said.
The governor’s comments come amid growing concerns over political violence and inflammatory rhetoric ahead of the 2027 elections.
The National Peace Committee has separately raised concerns about election-related incidents, including political violence, intimidation, threats and misinformation, recorded ahead of the polls. (The Guardian Nigeria)
Mr Sani urged religious and traditional leaders to continue using their influence to promote peaceful coexistence and encourage Nigerians to reject violence during the electoral period.
The Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Nuhu Bamalli, also called on Nigerians to be tolerant and respectful of one another’s religious and cultural differences. (theeditorial.ng)
