2027: Speaker Abbas Gets Fresh Appointment, Says Religious Bodies Critical For Peaceful Polls

The Religious Network for Peace and Development, has appointed Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen as it Grand Patron, calling on him to support the the campaign for peace and unity ahead of the 2027 general election.

A former governor of Kano state, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, who led the delegation, presented the letter of appointment to Abbas as well as a catalogue of past activities and programme of activities towards the 2027 general elections during a visit to the Speaker in Abuja on Tuesday.

Accepting the appointment, Abbas said he was “very elated” while describing Tuesday as an “important day.” He added that he was “humbled” by the Grand Patron appointment.

The Speaker in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, restated the commitment of the federal parliament to a free, fair, and credible general elections in 2027.

Abbas stated that religious organisations remain formidable bodies that people respect and listen to. He therefore urged religious leaders to use their influence for a peaceful Nigeria before, during and after the elections.

The speaker urged the association and other religious bodies to “step up activities during the campaigns and the elections” towards a successful and peaceful conduct of the polls.

He stated that the House will always support such causes “as and when due.”

While noting that “this association speaks for itself,” Abbas said Nigerians know the antecedents and contributions as well as the benefits that the organization has brought to the country.

Stating that the House is a “solid partner” of the Religious Network for Peace and Development, he said together with the Secretary of the Presidential Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress, Hon. James Faleke, he will convey the group’s activities to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaker Abbas said he was honoured to be part of the association, noting, “I want to assure you I will not be a passive member or patron.”

In his remarks, the delegation leader Shekarau, noted that members of the association, which he said has been existing for over three decades, are drawn from various religious organisations. He added that the body is working towards growth and development of Nigeria.

He also noted that with the elections approaching, the group is committed to integrating its objectives across the country, mobilising communities, especially the youth and religious organisations.

The former governor stressed that the body is after the existence of peaceful cooperation between and among all Nigerians, saying “our concern ultimately is good governance.”