The Convener of Friends of CG Musa, Victor Mathew Bobai, has called on political leaders, religious leaders and supporters across the country to avoid turning politics into a religious war, warning that no political victory is worth destroying Nigeria’s social harmony.
Bobai made the call in a statement on Tuesday in reaction to comments credited to former Kaduna State Commissioner of Information, Hon. Saidu Adamu.
According to Bobai, the statement by the former commissioner deserves serious consideration, not because it attacks any religion, but because it raises critical questions about responsible political communication, national unity and good governance.
“As Convener of the Friends of CG Musa, I believe our responsibility as a political support platform is not to promote hatred or deepen religious divisions. Our responsibility is to support leadership, defend what we believe is right and contribute positively to Nigeria’s democratic development. This is why I support the fundamental concern raised by Hon. Saidu Adamu,” he said.
He noted that political choices made by political parties should be understood within the context of political strategy, electoral calculations, constitutional democracy and the desire to win public support, and should not be presented as religious commandments or tests of religious loyalty.
Bobai said the debate around the 2023 presidential election and the decision by the All Progressives Congress, APC, to field a particular ticket was a political decision within a democratic contest, and while people may agree or disagree, the debate should remain within the sphere of politics, representation, competence, inclusion and governance.
“If we genuinely want a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria, we must be careful not to use language that can unnecessarily make citizens feel excluded, threatened or politically unwelcome because of their religious identity. No political victory is worth the destruction of our social harmony,” he stated.
He stressed that Nigeria is bigger than APC, PDP, Labour Party or any other political party, and bigger than the political ambitions of individual politicians and movements.
As the 2027 general elections approach, Bobai said Nigerians should be focused on competence and delivery rather than religious sentiments.
“As the 2027 elections approach, we should be discussing: Who can provide effective leadership? Who can improve security? Who can create jobs and economic opportunities? Who can strengthen institutions? Who can promote justice and fairness? Who can unite Nigerians across ethnic and religious boundaries? Who can deliver measurable development? These are the questions that should determine political choices,” he said.
Bobai clarified that the Friends of CG Musa is a political support platform that proudly supports the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, for his leadership and contribution to national security, but that support does not require hatred for anyone who holds a different political opinion.
“We can support CG Musa and still respect those who disagree with us. We can support President Tinubu and still respect Nigerians who support another candidate. We can defend our political position without attacking another person’s faith. That is the kind of political culture we should promote,” he added.
He appealed to political and religious leaders, commentators and activists to lower the temperature of political conversation, respond with facts and reason where statements are considered provocative, and seek clarification through appropriate channels.
“Nobody should be insulted or demonised because of his religious identity. Nobody should be forced to prove his faith through political allegiance. And nobody should use religion as a weapon to mobilise hatred against fellow citizens,” Bobai said.
He added: “The Muslim needs the Christian. The Christian needs the Muslim. The North needs the South. The South needs the North. Every community needs every other community. Our political differences will come and go, but the relationships between our people must endure.”
Bobai concluded that the 2027 election should be a contest of ideas, records, competence and vision, not a contest over who is more religious.
“Politics is about serving the people—not creating enemies among the people. Peace must triumph over provocation. Love must triumph over hatred. Good governance must triumph over empty rhetoric. And national unity must triumph over political division. That is the politics Nigeria deserves,” he said.
