Dr Gbenga Olawepo‑Hashim, the Accord Party’s presidential candidate, addressed the United States Congress and the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) on Wednesday, urging that Nigeria’s security strategy must centre on protecting every citizen’s right to worship freely.
Hashim acknowledged the “real” persecution of Christians in northern and central Nigeria, citing attacks on churches, the killing of pastors and the destruction of villages. He warned that framing the crisis as a clash between Christians and Muslims would deepen divisions, and called for a narrative that recognises all victims of violence while confronting violent extremism.
He outlined a comprehensive policy package that would be implemented if elected. Within the first 90 days, he would convene a National Summit that would bring together victims, the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Shia leaders, Hausa cultural representatives, women, youth and internally displaced persons. Within 180 days, he pledged to introduce a National Religious Freedom for Conflict Prevention and Countering Violent Extremism Act that would criminalise religious persecution, hate incitement and forced displacement.
Hashim also proposed an Independent National Commission with offices in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, reporting to the National Assembly. The commission would investigate attacks within 30 days, publish findings, and compensate victims. He added plans to establish a National Guard to protect vulnerable villages, farms, schools and places of worship, and to support the return of displaced people and the rebuilding of communities in Shanga, Plateau, Benue, Kaduna and Borno.
In a call for international cooperation, Hashim urged the United States to partner with Nigeria in convening an International Conference on Security in Nigeria and the Sahel within the first 100 days of his presidency. The conference would bring together ECOWAS, the African Union, the United States and other partners to develop a coordinated strategy covering religious freedom, conflict prevention, intelligence sharing, border security and counter‑extremism.
Hashim linked religious freedom to the credibility of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, warning that political intimidation, incitement and electoral malpractice could deepen existing divisions. He cited the recent attack on activist Omoyele Sowore in Ekiti as an example of how political violence can compound insecurity. “Election rigging is itself a threat to religious freedom, conflict prevention and human rights,” he said.
He concluded that Nigeria must lead efforts to demonstrate that religious freedom is an African value, not a foreign concept. “Countering violent extremism is religious freedom protection,” Hashim said, urging the United States to support Nigeria’s electoral process through sustained engagement, observation, technical assistance to the Independent National Electoral Commission and support for civil society.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
