Ukorebi Esien | August 26, 2026
CALABAR — Muslim leaders in Cross River State have pledged their commitment to peaceful elections in 2027, urging Nigerians to shun violence and see the electoral process as an opportunity to contribute to national development.
The call was made on Tuesday during the Eid-el-Maulud celebration at the Central Mosque, Calabar, where Muslim faithful gathered to commemorate the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
Speaking with journalists at the event, the Chief Imam of the Central Mosque, Calabar Road, and Chairman of the Cross River State Pilgrims Board, Imam Kabeer Olowolayemo, said the teachings of Prophet Muhammad provided important lessons on peaceful coexistence, tolerance, kindness and respect for others.
He urged Nigerians, particularly political actors and their supporters, to approach the 2027 elections with a peaceful mindset, stressing that elections should not become a source of conflict among citizens.
According to him, the electoral process should provide Nigerians with an opportunity to choose leaders and contribute to the development of the country rather than create division and violence.
Olowolayemo said the theme of this year's celebration, “Islam and Neighbourhood,” was designed to remind Muslims of the importance of showing love, compassion and concern for people around them irrespective of their religion, tribe or social status.
He explained that the concept of neighbourhood extended beyond people living within the same community to include colleagues, acquaintances and everyone within one's sphere of interaction.
The Chief Imam urged Muslims to emulate the life of Prophet Muhammad by ensuring that people around them do not suffer while they live in comfort, noting that the Prophet's life offered enduring lessons for building a peaceful and just society.
He also prayed for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, while commending the governor for what he described as his inclusive disposition towards people of different religious and ethnic backgrounds.
Olowolayemo said Muslims in Cross River had continued to enjoy the freedom to practise their faith without intimidation, attributing the development to the peaceful relationship between the Muslim and Christian communities in the state.
He assured that the Muslim community would continue to promote peace, protect the interests of its neighbours and support efforts aimed at sustaining harmonious relations among residents.
Earlier, Governor Otu, represented by his Special Adviser on Religious Affairs, Apostle Frank Umo, congratulated Muslim faithful on the occasion and urged them to imbibe the virtues of love, peace and unity exemplified by Prophet Muhammad.
He also called on the Muslim community to continue supporting the administration while urging residents to maintain clean and healthy environments.
Also speaking, the APC State Woman Leader of the Muslim community, Mariam Abashe, urged Nigerians to reflect on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad and embrace love, generosity and care for their neighbours.
Abashe commended the Otu administration for its support for the Muslim community and expressed confidence in the governor's re-election bid in 2027.
The Commissioner for Lands, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, who attended the celebration, described the Central Mosque as a home for all and reaffirmed the state government's commitment to maintaining cordial relations with the Muslim community.
Ekpang said the administration had supported the Muslim community through interventions in some of its facilities and assured that government would continue to address issues affecting its members.
He also expressed optimism that the government would consider the community's request for land for a cemetery.
The commissioner said Cross River had remained a safe home for Muslims, attributing the peaceful atmosphere to the administration's commitment to protecting residents irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliation.
He urged the Muslim community to continue promoting peace and peaceful coexistence, stressing that despite differences in religion, language and culture, humanity remained one.
The Eid-el-Maulud celebration brought together Muslim and Christian clerics, politicians, business leaders and other members of the public, underscoring the emphasis on interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence.
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