Gombe State Governor and Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), Muhammadu Yahaya, on Wednesday called on politicians and electorates across Nigeria to embrace peaceful coexistence, political tolerance and respect for democratic principles as activities ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to gather momentum.
The Governor made the call after joining the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar-Shehu Abubakar III, alongside top government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and thousands of Muslim faithful at the Central Eid Prayer Ground in Gombe for the two-Raka’at congregational prayers marking the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
The prayer session was led by the Deputy Chief Imam of Bubayero Central Mosque, Gombe, Ustaz Aliyu Hammari.
Following the prayers, Yahaya hosted a reception at the Government House, attended by dignitaries including the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Mohammed Luggerewo and the APC Governorship Candidate in the state, Jamilu Gwamna, government officials, President of the NigeriaUnionofJournalists, NUJ, ComradeAlhassanYahya among others.
Speaking at the reception, the governor expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the opportunity to witness another Eid-el-Kabir celebration, saying “Muslims must uphold the virtues of obedience, sacrifice, compassion and selflessness which the festival symbolises.”
He appealed to Nigerians to remain patient and continue cooperating with constituted authorities, particularly in view of the security and socio-economic challenges facing the country.
Governor Yahaya also urged political actors across party lines to play politics according to established rules and avoid actions capable of undermining peace and national stability.
According to him, “no meaningful political ambition or struggle for power can succeed in an atmosphere of rancour, division and intolerance.”
He stressed that democracy can only flourish where there is mutual respect, understanding and adherence to the rule of law, adding “politicians should place national interest above personal ambition.”
The governor called on Nigerians to continue praying for peace, “unity and economic prosperity in the country,” Yahaya said expressing optimism that Nigeria would overcome its challenges through collective responsibility and cooperation.
The Eid-el-Kabir celebration in Gombe attracted large crowds of worshippers and guests, with special prayers offered for sustained peace, progress, and good leadership in the state and the nation at large.