Akor Sylvester, Abuja
As the 2027 general elections draw closer, the Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, has condemned critics of the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket of President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima, stating that religion should not be used to judge the performance of political leaders in the country.
Umahi who stated this in Abuja on Monday while receiving members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on a courtesy visit, said political discussions should focus on governance, development and performance rather than religious sentiments.
He noted that: “What has religion got to do with performance”, saying, Nigerians should assess leaders based on what they have achieved in office and not on their religious identities.
“What has religion got to do with choice of leadership? When people don’t know what to say, they begin to talk about mundane things,” he said.
Umahi described arguments surrounding the Muslim-Muslim ticket as “one of those mundane things” that distract from substantive national issues.
“The Muslim, Muslim tickets, which people are talking about – they are talking rubbish. And it’s one of those mundane things I talk about,” he said.
The Minister argued that Nigerians belong to one family regardless of their religious differences, saying “If we agree that we are brothers and sisters, forget about your religion.”
He added: “Because nobody intentionally chose a religion. It’s based on where you were born.”
The Minister further emphasised the common humanity of Nigerians, saying: “And we are created by the same God.”
He urged Nigerians to concentrate on issues affecting the country rather than religious sentiments,
Umahi also praised Vice-President Shettima, describing him as an articulate and intelligent politician.
“The Vice-President is very articulate and very intelligent,” Umahi said, asking why religion should be introduced into discussions about the administration’s performance.
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Muslim World League convenes security conference in Nigeria
.As Tinubu calls for peaceful coexistence
Chidimma Uchegbu, Abuja
The Muslim World League, in collaboration with the Jama’atu Izalatil Bidiah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), will on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, convene an international security conference in Abuja, bringing together religious leaders and other stakeholders to advance peaceful coexistence, national unity and security.
The conference, holding at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, is expected to explore the relationship between peace, security and socio-economic development, while strengthening dialogue and mutual understanding among Muslims, Christians and people of other faiths.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Monday at the inauguration of a newly constructed Mosque in Abuja by the Secretary General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Organization of Islamic Scholars, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa.
Idris, who had earlier received Sheikh Al-Issa at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and accompanied him to the mosque inauguration, described the visit as a demonstration of the strong relationship between Nigeria, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the international community.
He said the conference comes at an important time for Nigeria, as the country continues to strengthen its national security architecture while pursuing reforms and investments aimed at accelerating socio-economic development.
The Minister reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, religious harmony and national unity, stressing that peace and security are fundamental to Nigeria’s prosperity and stability across Africa.
“The President is determined to ensure peace and tranquillity not just in Nigeria, but around the world. This is a clear demonstration of the path that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is taking,” Idris said.
He noted that Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous country, has a major responsibility to promote peace and stability across the continent, adding that a peaceful and secure Nigeria would positively influence West Africa and Africa as a whole.
Idris said the international conference would provide an important platform for religious leaders and other stakeholders to exchange ideas and develop practical approaches to strengthening peaceful coexistence, security and mutual understanding.
He commended the Muslim World League, Jama’atu Izalatil Bidiah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), the Saudi Arabian Government and other stakeholders for facilitating Sheikh Al-Issa’s visit and the establishment of the mosque.
The Minister also expressed appreciation to Sheikh Al-Issa for his sustained commitment to peace, dialogue and understanding among faith communities.
Earlier, Sheikh Al-Issa commended President Tinubu’s efforts to foster peaceful coexistence between Muslims and non-Muslims, stressing that peace and harmony in Nigeria would contribute significantly to stability across West Africa and the wider world.
The Secretary General said his visit was centred on peace and peaceful coexistence and expressed confidence that the conference would provide an important platform for advancing dialogue and harmony in Nigeria and globally.
The International Security Conference brings together religious leaders, policymakers and other stakeholders.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulkarim al-Issa was received at the airport by the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto; Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi; Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, representing Sokoto North Senatorial District; Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje, representing Gombe Central Senatorial District; and Senator Ahmed Sani Yerima, among other dignitaries.
