Coalition demands united front against ethnic, religious divisions

By Lukman Olabiyi

More than 1,000 representatives of ethnic nationalities and civil society organisations have called for urgent collective action to curb rising ethnic and religious distrust threatening Nigeria’s stability.

The delegates, drawn from across the country, warned that deepening divisions along ethnic and faith lines could plunge the nation into chaos if not decisively addressed ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The summit, held on Tuesday in Lagos, was convened to rebuild trust, promote unity, and mobilise Nigerians across all divides in defence of national cohesion.

In his welcome address, the Executive Director of Journalists for Democratic Rights, Adewale Adeoye, said the meeting was organised by the Nigerian Human Rights Community, one of the country’s largest coalitions of civil society and community-based organisations.

“We are going across the country. The people will organise and mobilise themselves for mass action against violence, distrust, ethnic divisions and religious suspicion,” Adeoye said.

He added that deliberations would continue on Wednesday, with a focus on strengthening the National Working Group on Peace and Conflict Prevention.

Also speaking, the former Secretary-General of the National Democratic Coalition, Chief Ayo Opadokun, called for a renewed national vision anchored on unity and shared purpose.

“We must embrace a higher calling, the building of a nation where identity is not a basis for exclusion and faith is not a tool for division. Poverty and inequality fuel division, while good governance ensures peace, stability and development,” he said.

Participants cautioned that persistent violence and mistrust could undermine democratic processes and jeopardise future elections if left unchecked. They stressed the need for urgent and coordinated action by both citizens and leaders to reverse the trend.

Speakers at the event emphasised that Nigeria’s diversity, spanning over 350 ethnic groups and multiple faiths, should serve as a source of strength rather than division. They urged political leaders to rise above sectional interests and pursue inclusive governance that promotes equity, justice, and national cohesion.

The meeting attracted a broad coalition of ethnic and socio-cultural groups, including leaders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Oodua Peoples Congress, the Afenifere Renewal Group, as well as representatives of the Ijaw, Nupe, Fulani, and Middle Belt communities.

Collectively, the delegates described Nigeria as standing at a “historic crossroads,” urging citizens to reject division and instead embrace peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.

They also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and state leaders, particularly in key urban centres, to take decisive steps to rebuild trust and foster national unity, noting that cosmopolitan states such as Lagos play a pivotal role in shaping social cohesion.