Published by Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Nigerians to embrace national unity, peaceful coexistence and collective sacrifice as the country gradually enters another political season. Speaking shortly after observing the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the Ramat Square Eid Ground in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, the Vice President urged political leaders and citizens alike to place national interest above personal or partisan considerations. “Our message to Nigerians is to continue praying for peace and for mutual understanding amongst all Nigerians. And as we enter the political phase, there is a need for maturity, forbearance, and generosity of spirit in our political interactions,” Shettima said. His remarks came just days after the conduct of party primaries across the country and as the nation prepares for the 2027 general elections.
In his official Eid-el-Kabir message to the nation, the Vice President also urged citizens to draw inspiration from the enduring values of faith, sacrifice, obedience and compassion exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim. He described the festival as a period of sober reflection, a season of reaching out to the indigent, and an opportunity to build bridges of brotherhood and sisterhood across ethnic and religious lines. “What binds us together supersedes whatever divides us. As a nation, we must continue to strengthen the spirit of unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence for our collective progress and prosperity,” Shettima said. The Vice President stressed that national development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of division and mistrust, and he called on Nigerians to rise above ethnic, religious and political differences to confront the common challenges confronting the country.
Shettima used the occasion to reaffirm the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to addressing insecurity, stabilising the economy, creating jobs and expanding opportunities for citizens across the country. He acknowledged that the ongoing reforms may require patience and sacrifice, but he insisted that they are necessary steps toward rebuilding a stronger Nigeria. “Our nation is undergoing a process of renewal and transformation aimed at securing a more stable and prosperous future for generations to come. While the reforms may require patience and sacrifice, they are necessary steps toward rebuilding a stronger Nigeria,” he stated. He appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting the government’s reform agenda, noting that unity of purpose and shared sacrifice are essential to overcoming insecurity, poverty and social dislocation.
The Vice President also commended members of the armed forces and security agencies for their sacrifices in maintaining peace and stability across the country. He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains resolute in restoring peace and security nationwide, while expressing optimism about the nation’s trajectory. “No matter how long the night may seem, dawn will surely come. Nigeria is steadily advancing on the path of peace, recovery and sustainable development,” Shettima said. His message was contained in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, and was widely circulated by news outlets across the country.
Shettima had arrived in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Tuesday to participate in the Eid-el-Kabir holidays. His decision to celebrate the festival in his home state was seen as a gesture of solidarity with the people of the North‑East, who have endured over a decade of insurgency and displacement. The federal government had earlier declared Wednesday and Thursday as public holidays for the celebration, with security agencies placed on high alert following intelligence reports of possible isolated attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP elements during the festivities. Despite the security concerns, Shettima’s message focused on hope, resilience, and the imperative of national cohesion in the face of diverse challenges.
The Vice President’s call for peace and unity resonated with the broader political climate, as the nation transitions from the internal party primary season to the general election campaign period. His emphasis on “maturity, forbearance, and generosity of spirit” appeared to be a deliberate appeal to political actors to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and acts of violence that could undermine the electoral process. Shettima has, over the past year, consistently advocated for a politics of issue-based campaigns and mutual respect among competitors, a stance that aligns with the broader democratic aspirations of the Tinubu administration.
As Muslims across Nigeria joined their counterparts worldwide in celebrating Eid-el-Kabir, Shettima’s message served as both a spiritual exhortation and a political compass. He reminded citizens that the festival commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command, a lesson of faith and selflessness that should guide the nation’s collective conduct. The Vice President’s appeal for unity, coming from a leader of a multi‑ethnic and multi‑religious federation, underlined the administration’s recognition that Nigeria’s diversity, if properly managed, can be a source of strength rather than a trigger for conflict. His words also echoed the broader themes of the President’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, which seeks to rebuild the country on the foundations of security, economic revival, and inclusive governance.
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