2027: Remi Tinubu Cautions Youths Against Political Thuggery

…Urges Peaceful Polls

From Yagana Ali, Yola

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has cautioned youths against allowing desperate politicians to recruit them as instruments of electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging them to embrace peace, tolerance and responsible political participation.

Tinubu particularly appealed to Christian youths to resist manipulation, intimidation and political thuggery, warning that such activities could undermine the nation’s democratic process and threaten national security.

The First Lady made the appeal on Saturday in Yola during the 20th anniversary celebration of the Adamawa Government House Chapel. She was represented at the event by the Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta.

She urged young Nigerians to recognize their strategic role in shaping the country’s democratic future and refuse to sacrifice their lives and future for the selfish political ambitions of desperate politicians.

According to her, youths should instead channel their energy towards promoting peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, constructive engagement and credible electoral processes.

Tinubu encouraged them to become ambassadors of peace and positive change, stressing the need for responsible conduct before, during and after the 2027 elections.

Also speaking, Farauta, who represented Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, conveyed the governor’s message that the Government House Chapel should remain a spiritual home and rallying point for Christians across different denominations.

She stressed that the Chapel was established to accommodate the wider Christian community and should not be regarded as the exclusive property of any particular denomination.

Fintiri urged the Chapel’s leadership and congregation to preserve its spiritual foundation, sustain its activities and ensure that the fire on the altar continued to burn through prayers, worship and unwavering commitment to God.

The governor expressed optimism that God’s presence would continue to guide the affairs of government, inspire responsible leadership and strengthen efforts towards the development of Adamawa State.

He also called on residents to embrace their collective responsibility in building a peaceful and prosperous state, irrespective of religious, ethnic and political differences.

“Adamawa belongs to all of us. We must all join hands to ensure that the state continues to move forward, while living together as one another’s keepers,” he said.

In his historical reflections, former Governor of Adamawa State, Boni Haruna, recalled that the Government House Chapel was established in 2005 as part of efforts to fulfil the original architectural vision of the Government House complex.

Haruna explained that the original design provided for two places of worship, a mosque and a Christian chapel, in recognition of the principles of equity, fairness and religious inclusion upon which the project was conceived.

He said the construction of the Chapel was intended to address the historical imbalance and give practical expression to the inclusive vision behind the Government House complex.

The former governor expressed hope that the Chapel would continue to serve as a symbol of religious tolerance, unity and peaceful coexistence, reminding successive administrations and residents that Adamawa belongs to everyone, irrespective of religious affiliation.

Similarly, Chairman of the Chapel’s Board of Trustees, Mr Boss Mustapha, described the 20th anniversary as more than a celebration of institutional survival, saying it represented two decades of faith, courage, perseverance, unity and God’s enduring faithfulness.

Mustapha said the Chapel’s history reflected a vision conceived during challenging circumstances, sustained through prayers and eventually brought to fulfilment through divine providence.

He noted that the Chapel’s location within the seat of government carried a significant message about the importance of spirituality, moral discipline and accountability in public leadership.

According to him, the presence of a place of worship within the Government House should constantly remind political leaders and public office holders of the need to govern with humility, integrity, compassion and a strong sense of responsibility to the people.

He urged the current leadership of the Chapel to protect its ecumenical identity, promote Christian fellowship and remain respectful of religious diversity and constitutional freedoms.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Adamawa State, Rev. Joel Manzo, congratulated the Chapel’s leadership and congregation on attaining the 20-year milestone.

Manzo clarified that the Government House Chapel was never established to compete with existing churches, challenge their authority or replace the various Christian denominations operating across the state.

Rather, he explained that it was established to provide a common platform for Christian worship, fellowship and spiritual expression within the Government House community.

He called on leaders of different denominations to encourage their members to identify with and support the Chapel, stressing that denominational differences should be celebrated as sources of strength and diversity rather than division.

The CAN chairman further urged Christians to use the anniversary to renew their commitment to unity, mutual respect, fellowship and collective responsibility in advancing the Christian faith.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the celebration featured the presentation of awards to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, the Chapel’s founding fathers and former chaplains in recognition of their contributions to its establishment, growth and sustenance.

The event also featured a fundraising exercise to support the Chapel’s activities, maintenance and future development, as worshippers and well-wishers reflected on its two decades of faith, service and spiritual impact.