Lagos Muslim Community Holds Prayers for Peaceful 2027 Elections, Tinubu, Hamzat

 Lagos Muslim Community Holds Prayers for Peaceful 2027 Elections, Tinubu, Hamzat

The Lagos State Muslim Community has held a series of prayer sessions across the state ahead of the 2027 general elections, seeking divine guidance for the electoral process and praying for peace, good governance and the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its Lagos governorship candidate, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.

The prayer sessions, which commenced with the Ikeja Division, were subsequently held in the Ikorodu, Badagry and Epe divisions before culminating in a grand finale at the Lagos Island Central Mosque.

The gathering brought together Muslim clerics, political leaders, community stakeholders and residents for prayers and discussions on the forthcoming elections, governance, security, youth participation and the socio-economic challenges confronting Nigerians.

Speaking during the programme, Imam Afinnih Abdulbari Yusuf emphasised the importance of civic participation, urging Muslims and other citizens to take the electoral process seriously.

He said participation in democracy was essential to protecting the future and collective interests of Nigerians, urging members of the Muslim community to engage responsibly with issues surrounding the 2027 elections.

According to him, citizens should not remain passive when decisions affecting their communities and the country are being made, stressing that active participation remains an important component of democratic responsibility.

Also speaking, Imam Shakirudeen Ayinde Gafar of Mofesaye called on Almighty Allah to guide Nigerians in the choices they would make during the 2027 elections.

He prayed for wisdom and divine guidance for voters, asking that their decisions at the polls would produce outcomes beneficial to the country.

Imam Gafar also described the current administration's economic and governance initiatives as efforts that require stability and continuity, while calling for prayers for peace throughout the electoral period.

Government's Impact and Political Inclusion

The programme also featured discussions on the impact of government policies on Nigerians, particularly young people and other vulnerable groups.

Hon. Muftau Egberongbe, member of the House of Representatives representing Apapa Federal Constituency, highlighted some of the economic and social challenges facing Nigerians, including the effects of economic instability, policy decisions, access to education funding and difficulties confronting students and young people.

Egberongbe also spoke on the importance of political inclusion, stressing the need for citizens, particularly young Nigerians, to participate actively in the democratic process and have a voice in decisions affecting their communities and future.

He noted that political participation should not be limited to voting during elections but should also involve constructive engagement with government, elected representatives and policies.

The lawmaker maintained that greater inclusion of citizens in governance would strengthen democratic institutions and create opportunities for people to contribute to addressing the challenges confronting the country.

Speakers at the gathering also stressed that political participation should extend beyond election-day voting to sustained engagement with leaders and policies capable of addressing citizens' concerns.

Security, Youth and Community Development

The gathering also featured discussions on security and the responsibility of community stakeholders in maintaining peace.

The Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Abu Nola, called for greater attention to the growing risks of youth involvement in drug abuse and criminal activities.

He urged religious and community institutions to provide young people with guidance, opportunities and a sense of belonging capable of discouraging them from criminal associations.

He further called for the identification of vulnerable locations and environmental conditions that could facilitate criminal activities, urging relevant authorities and community leaders to take preventive measures.

The discussions emphasised the importance of proactive intelligence gathering, collaboration between communities and security agencies, and early intervention in emerging security threats.

Stakeholders were also encouraged to maintain open channels of communication with law enforcement agencies while ensuring that community security efforts remain within the framework of the law.

Call for Peaceful Elections

The Chief Imam of Ikeja Division, Kamorodeen Abiola Ilori, reiterated the need for peace and safety before, during and after the elections.

He outlined a vision of communities where families, students and businesses can go about their daily activities without fear of violence or criminal attacks.

Stakeholders also highlighted the importance of security to economic growth and community development, calling for continued cooperation among traditional rulers, religious leaders, community organisations and security agencies to prevent crime and preserve public order.

The Lagos Muslim Community's prayer sessions form part of a broader series of religious and civic engagements ahead of the 2027 elections.

The latest gathering concluded with prayers for peaceful elections, good governance, security and the continued wellbeing of Lagos State and Nigeria.