Mawlid: Kankia warns politicians against ethnic, religious politics
0
0
Mawlid: Kankia warns politicians against ethnic, religious politics
By Kaosara Olayemi Oladimeji
The National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Murtala Aliyu Kankia, has warned politicians against using ethnic and religious sentiments to drive political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kankia gave the warning in his Eid-ul-Mawlid message to Muslims, urging political actors to make the forthcoming elections a contest of ideas, policies and records rather than one characterised by division and inflammatory rhetoric.
He said the values of justice, honesty, compassion, consultation and responsible leadership exemplified by Prophet Muhammad should guide political leaders and citizens as political activities intensify ahead of the elections.
The APC legal adviser also appealed to politicians to place the national interest above personal ambition, stressing that political competition should not be allowed to threaten the peace and stability of the country.
READ ALSO: NIMC Pledges Stronger Media Engagement Over New Identity Law
Kankia said, “As we celebrate Eid-ul-Mawlid, let us remember that leadership is service. We must continue to support what is good for Nigeria, demand accountability where necessary, and place the national interest above personal and political ambition.”
He urged political parties, aspirants and their supporters to pursue their ambitions within the framework of the law and democratic institutions.
According to him, candidates should be judged by their ideas, records and capacity to improve the lives of Nigerians rather than their ethnic or religious identities.
Kankia further called on religious leaders to use their platforms to promote peaceful coexistence and responsible citizenship, while discouraging hate speech, violence and political manipulation.
He particularly warned youths against allowing themselves to be used as instruments of political violence, urging them to participate actively and peacefully in the democratic process.
The APC chieftain also called on Nigerians to acknowledge the gains of the Tinubu administration while demanding accountability and improved delivery.
He said the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda should continue to focus on economic reforms, infrastructure development, human capital investment, security and social protection.
Kankia urged Nigerians to assess government policies based on their impact on the economy, livelihoods, education, infrastructure, security and opportunities available to citizens.
He, however, stressed that supporting government policies should not replace the demand for accountability, urging public officials to ensure that their programmes translate into measurable improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
Kankia called on Muslims to use the occasion of Eid-ul-Mawlid to pray for President Bola Tinubu, other national leaders and the peace and progress of Nigeria.
He expressed optimism that the country would approach the 2027 elections with greater political maturity, saying the lessons of the Prophet should inspire Nigerians to embrace justice, tolerance, compassion, patriotism and service to humanity.
