Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on political leaders and citizens across the country to approach the 2027 electoral season with maturity, tolerance and a sense of national responsibility.
Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
Mr Shettima warned against divisive rhetoric and actions capable of undermining peace and stability.
Speaking to journalists shortly after observing the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the Ramat Square Eid Ground in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, Mr Shettima said political leaders must avoid inflammatory statements and actions capable of “overheating polity.”
He assured Nigerians that both the federal government and sub-national governments are taking deliberate steps to cushion the effects of the economic challenges on citizens.
Mr Shettima said that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to reducing the economic pressures facing citizens through ongoing reforms and targeted interventions.
“Governments at all levels are poised to ameliorate the sufferings of the Nigerian people,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to remain patient and continue supporting the administration as it works to stabilise the economy, strengthen national security and expand opportunities for citizens.
“As we enter the political phase, there is a need for maturity, forbearance and generosity of spirit in our political interactions. We must avoid inflammatory statements and actions capable of overheating the polity because what binds us together as Nigerians supersedes whatever divides us,” he said.
He further called on citizens to continue praying for peace and stability across the country.
“Let there be peace in the land. Let us continue to pray for peace not only in Borno State but in every nook and cranny of Nigeria,” he added.
The Vice President also pointed to ongoing global tensions, including the crisis in the Middle East, as further reasons for Nigerians to embrace unity and national solidarity.
Mr Shettima, according to the statement, was joined at the Eid prayers by the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur; the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; members of the National Assembly; and other senior government officials.
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Shortly after the prayers, the Deputy Governor paid a traditional Sallah homage to the Vice President at his Maiduguri residence, where he commended Mr Shettima for his continued support to the government and people of Borno state.
“On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, we are here to felicitate with Your Excellency on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration,” Mr Kadafur said.
“We pray to Almighty Allah to grant you good health, wisdom and the strength to continue supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in moving Nigeria to greater heights.”
The deputy governor also urged residents of the state and Nigerians generally to continue praying for lasting peace, unity and prosperity across the country.
