The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria, YOWICAN, and the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations, NACOMYO, have signed a peace accord ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The signing ceremony was held on Friday at the National Christian Centre in Abuja during the 2026 National Christian Youth Security Summit and Thanksgiving Service with the theme: “Empowered for Leadership, Service and Nation Building.”

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the accord is aimed at promoting religious tolerance, rejecting political violence and ensuring peaceful coexistence ahead of the next elections.

The 3-day summit drew security chiefs, government officials, church leaders and youth delegates from the 36 states, FCT, five CAN blocs and six geopolitical zones.

In his welcome address, YOWICAN National Chairman, Ven. Evang. Ademola Arowolo, described the accord as “a covenant of hope and a declaration of unity” to stop electoral violence and religious friction from the national level to the grassroots.

“Today marks a defining moment in the history of youth engagement, faith-based leadership, national security advocacy, and interfaith collaboration in Nigeria,” he said.

“This Peace Accord represents more than a document. It is a covenant of hope, a declaration of unity, and a collective commitment by Christian and Muslim youths to work together in promoting peace, justice, dialogue, tolerance, and national development.”

Speaking to journalists, Arowolo urged young people to reject political thuggery and vote-buying.

“Every life whether of a Muslim, a Christian, or any other faith is sacred. God Himself does not divide us; it is human beings that divide us. As elections approach, if somebody meets you for any violence, tell them your children should not come. We cannot destroy our own land,” he said.

NACOMYO National President, Sani Sulaiman-Maigoro, also stressed the need for interfaith unity.

“We are first Nigerians, and Nigeria is our country. Together we live and prosper, and when we are divided, we all suffer. Nigerian Muslim youths are here in solidarity with Christian youths to say we are together towards securing and making Nigeria a better place for all,” he said.

Representing President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, NCPC Executive Secretary, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, warned youths against being used by politicians.

“We don’t want any politician to use you and waste your life. The Muslim and the Christian in Nigeria must work together; we are brothers and sisters, and it is only when you have peace that you can talk of progress.”

CAN President, Most Rev. Daniel Okoh, represented by Rev. Simon Dolly-KIF, urged Christian youths to become nation-builders.

“Let no Christian youth become an instrument of violence, hatred, manipulation, or destruction. Nigeria is bigger than our ethnicity, denomination, and political differences.”

Also speaking, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd.), represented by Mr Musa Likita, said peace was key for youth productivity and urged young people not to allow themselves to be exploited by extremist forces.