Plateau Peace Architecture Forum Holds August Edition, Strengthens Religious Harmony Ahead of 2027 General Election

The Plateau State Peace Building Agency held the August edition of the Plateau Peace Architecture Forum at Odilins Event Centre, Jos, under the theme: “Understanding Freedom of Religion or Belief from Diverse Perspectives: Promoting Religious Tolerance, Inclusion and Preventing the Manipulation of Youth for Electoral Violence.” The forum brought together religious and traditional leaders, government representatives, human rights actors, youth groups, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to deliberate on religious freedom, peaceful coexistence and the role of young people in promoting violence-free elections as the 2027 general elections draw closer.

Setting the tone for the engagement, the Director General of the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, Dr. Julie Sanda, described the forum as an important platform for deepening understanding of freedom of religion or belief, promoting tolerance and inclusion, and strengthening efforts towards peaceful elections in 2027. She noted that, given Plateau State’s religious, ethnic and cultural diversity, freedom of religion goes beyond the right to practise one’s faith to encompass dignity, mutual respect, inclusion and peaceful coexistence. She called for a shift from mere tolerance to meaningful inclusion and urged young people to reject misinformation, hate speech, manipulation and recruitment into violence, while also remembering victims of violence based on religion or belief.

Following the agenda-setting remarks, Rev. Dr. Sylvester Dachomo delivered the keynote presentation titled “Understanding Freedom of Religion or Belief in a Diverse Plateau.” He emphasised the need to promote not only tolerance and inclusion but also acceptance of one another. Describing Plateau State as religiously, ethnically and culturally diverse, he noted that the state has experienced various forms of violence and conflict. He explained that freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental human right that allows individuals to choose, practise, change or abandon a religion or belief without coercion. He further stressed the sanctity of human life and called on politicians, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community leaders to treat their responsibilities as a sacred trust and work collectively to protect lives and promote peace.

Building on the keynote’s call for acceptance and peaceful coexistence, Mr. Bali Nanman, President of PPPN, stressed the importance of sustaining dialogue on freedom of religion, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections. He noted that religion should unite people, promote good values and strengthen peaceful coexistence. He urged young people and religious leaders to reject the misuse of religion, misinformation and divisive messages on social media and to take the lessons from the forum back to their communities.

Similarly, Barr. Kyenpia Mafwei, Plateau State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission, commended the Peace Building Agency for sustaining the forum as a platform for dialogue and peaceful resolution of difficult issues. She emphasised that freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental right that must be protected and condemned the use of religion by political or religious leaders to spread hatred or incite violence. She encouraged stakeholders to embrace dialogue, promote inclusion and protect people of different faiths.

In the same spirit, Rev. Dr. Stephen Dangana, Special Adviser to the Plateau State Governor on Inter-Religious Affairs, represented by Rev. Nehemiah Michael, commended the Agency for convening the dialogue. He emphasised that freedom of religion means the ability to practise one’s faith, disagree without hatred and live peacefully with people of different beliefs. He urged stakeholders, particularly young people, to reject misinformation, manipulation and violence ahead of the 2027 elections, while reaffirming his office’s commitment to building a Plateau where faith unites rather than divides.

Also contributing to the conversation, Prof. Chris Kwaja, represented by Mr. Nantip Joseph, reaffirmed that freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental human right and that every Nigerian deserves to live peacefully with people of different faiths. He stressed that Nigeria’s religious, ethnic and cultural diversity should be viewed as a strength that requires understanding, accommodation and mutual respect. As the 2027 elections approach, he warned against using religion to spread hatred, fear and division, urging politicians and citizens to reject religious manipulation and protect the equal dignity and rights of every Nigerian.

Further reinforcing the call for practical commitment, Prof. Pandam Yamsat, Chairman of the Plateau State Advisory Council on Inter-Religious Harmony, reaffirmed the commitment of religious leaders to promoting peace and peaceful coexistence. He urged stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and translate their words into action, cautioning against the misuse of religion for personal or political interests. He also called for the recognition and respect of African Traditional Religion and other faiths, stressing that religion and politics should serve as instruments of unity, nation-building and peaceful coexistence. He encouraged participants to “walk their talk” by putting their commitments into practice.

Also, the Co-Chairman of the Plateau State Advisory Council on Inter-Religious Harmony, Alhaji Dr. Muhammad Sambo, Emir of Wase, represented by Sheikh Ghazali Ismail, Chief Imam of Jos Central Mosque, reaffirmed the importance of freedom of religion or belief in promoting peace, security, inclusion and sustainable development. He cited the Islamic principle that there should be no compulsion in religion, emphasising respect for people of different faiths and the protection of religious minorities from violence and exclusion. He commended the Peace Building Agency for its efforts in dialogue, mediation and peace education and expressed support for inclusive and violence-free elections in 2027.

Moving from the presentations to practical engagement, the forum featured a panel session on promoting religious tolerance and inclusion while preventing the manipulation of young people for electoral violence. Panelists representing Untold Heroes (Tina Junction and Angwan Rogo), PYIF, Hari Krishna, African Traditional Religion and Mr. Abubakar Sadeeq shared meaningful experiences and perspectives, highlighting the importance of peaceful coexistence, respect for diverse beliefs, responsible youth participation and resistance to political and religious manipulation.

The discussions were further deepened through an open dialogue anchored by Mr. Silas Abdulsalam, which focused on strengthening religious inclusion, trust and shared responsibility for peace in Plateau State. Participants developed practical action points aimed at empowering young people as champions of religious tolerance and inclusion, preventing the manipulation of religious sentiments for political and electoral purposes, and mitigating the spread of harmful narratives before, during and after elections.

The August edition of the Plateau Peace Architecture Forum ultimately reaffirmed the collective responsibility of government, religious and traditional leaders, civil society, young people and communities to protect freedom of religion or belief and promote peaceful coexistence. With the 2027 elections approaching, the forum ended with a strong call for stakeholders to move beyond words to action, reject religious and political manipulation, empower young people as agents of peace and work together towards peaceful, inclusive and violence-free elections in Plateau State.