The Director of International Liaison of the Forward Bola Ahmed Tinubu 2027 Independent Campaign Group (ICG), High Chief Wisdom Chukwuma Okoye (Ozo Amamaife Chukwu I of Isuokoma Kingdom), has called on Nigerians to place national unity above religious and ethnic differences, stressing that the country’s future depends on peaceful coexistence and purposeful leadership.
Speaking during the group’s Abuja Endorsement Day and official mobilisation programme, High Chief Okoye said Nigeria’s political future should be determined by competence, integrity and commitment to national development rather than religious or ethnic identity.
He described Nigeria’s diversity as one of its greatest strengths, urging citizens to embrace it as a catalyst for national growth instead of allowing it to become a source of division.
“Our strength as a nation lies in our diversity, not in our differences,” he said.
Okoye stressed that religion should never become an obstacle to national progress, noting that Christians and Muslims share a collective responsibility to promote peace, mutual respect and understanding.
He prayed for sustained peaceful coexistence among Christians and Muslims across Northern Nigeria and the country at large, urging Nigerians to embrace one another as brothers and sisters regardless of religious or ethnic affiliation.
“We all have a shared responsibility to build bridges of understanding rather than walls of division. Nigeria is one nation, and we must continue to live together in peace, unity and mutual respect,” he stated.
The International Liaison Director further reminded Nigerians that the country belongs equally to every citizen irrespective of religion or ethnicity.
“Nigeria is the only country we have. Let us live as brothers and sisters, respecting one another’s faith and working together for the peace, unity and progress of our beloved nation,” he added.
Expressing optimism about Nigeria’s democratic future, Okoye said he looks forward to a time when political leaders will be judged by their performance, character and competence rather than by their religious background.
Speaking on the objectives of the campaign group, he disclosed that the organisation is committed to expanding its international outreach by strengthening collaboration with Nigerians in the diaspora while intensifying grassroots mobilisation across the country through peaceful civic participation.
Other speakers at the event urged members to step up mobilisation efforts in their respective states, local government areas and wards ahead of the 2027 general election.
Participants commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its economic reforms, infrastructure development, educational initiatives and security interventions, while acknowledging that some of the reforms require patience and sacrifice. They expressed confidence that the policies are laying the foundation for sustainable national development.
Women leaders advocated greater inclusion of women in governance and encouraged Nigerian women to participate more actively in politics, leadership and community development.
Traditional rulers also appealed for peace, national unity and collective responsibility as indispensable pillars for Nigeria’s sustainable development.
The organisation announced that, following the successful Abuja endorsement programme, similar mobilisation activities would be held across the South-South, South-East, South-West, North-Central, North-East and North-West geopolitical zones as part of its nationwide campaign strategy.
The event featured the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, the formal introduction of members of the National Executive Council, a vote of thanks and a group photograph.
The organisers reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful political participation, civic engagement and grassroots mobilisation as preparations continue for the 2027 general election.
