Prominent leaders and Islamic clerics have called on Nigerians to remain prayerful, united and hopeful despite the nation’s security challenges, as the country prepares to mark the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations.
The call was made during a special Juma’at prayer service held at the National Mosque in Abuja, where participants also urged citizens to support government efforts aimed at promoting peace, stability and national development.
The service, filled with reflection and solemnity, served as a spiritual prelude to the democratic anniversary.
The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, representing the executive arm of government, and the Imam of the Abuja National Mosque, Ustaz Muhammed Haroun Eze. Both leaders underscored that navigating Nigeria’s current trials requires a symbiotic relationship between the leadership and the populace.
Speaking to the congregation and the press after the prayers, Nigeria’s Vice President delivered a poignant message of resilience and reassurance on behalf of the administration.
Acknowledging the sacrifices that laid the foundation for the nation’s current democratic governance, the Vice President urged Nigerians to guard this hard-earned freedom with active faith and unity.
“It’s simple: let’s pray for the peace and stability of this nation and acknowledge the sacrifices made by our past heroes for the enthronement of this democracy that we are all enjoying now. What binds us together surpasses whatever divides us,” Shettima stated.
Addressing the severe security challenges plaguing parts of the country, the Vice President assured citizens that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is acutely aware of the nation’s pain, particularly regarding victims of kidnapping and banditry. He emphasised that the administration is working tirelessly behind the scenes to secure the release of all citizens in captivity.
The Vice President stressed that President Tinubu is “walking day and night” to ensure the safe recovery of all children held by terrorists and bandits.
Using a powerful metaphor for endurance, he stated, “No matter how long the night is, it must give way to the light of the dawn. Stormy the weather might well be, but it cannot rain forever.”
The government, he reiterated, remains irrevocably committed to the total restoration of peace and stability.
In his sermon, the Imam of the Abuja National Mosque, Ustaz Muhammed Haroun Eze, utilised the significance of Democracy Day to remind the political class of its sacred covenant with the Nigerian people.
While offering prayers for the leadership, Ustaz Eze did not mince words regarding the core responsibilities of governance, stating that the true measure of democracy lies in its tangible benefits to the ordinary citizen.
He further prayed for peace, the end of banditry, insurgency, and the sustainable development of the country in all facets of human endeavour.
The cleric advised Nigerians, irrespective of their political affiliations, to intensify prayers for the nation’s democracy to thrive.
The cleric also stressed the need for public office holders to uphold justice and fairness while governing their followers.
While noting that, Nigeria has experienced a series of conflicts which cost many people’s lives and properties. Advised the citizens to pray for the country as the 2027 general election is approaching to avoid any conflict that could put the country into war.
He urged the government to invest more on education and strengthen skills acquisition for the youths to be independent even after graduation.
Some of the dignitaries who witnessed the special lecture and Juma’at prayer include the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris; other members of the Federal Executive Council; the representative of the Sultan of Sokoto; members of the Diplomatic Corps; National Assembly members; Traditional Rulers; Captains of industry, amongst others.
