As Muslims celebrate 2026 Eid-el-Kabir, Nigerian leaders don call for renewed efforts to tackle insecurity, economic hardship and injustice. The National Chairman of African Democratic Congress, Senator David Mark, Muslim Public Affairs Centre, and Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, all make separate statements to mark the festival.
MPAC, in a statement for Eid-ul-Adha 1447 AH, say the celebration na more than ritual festival—e symbolise sacrifice, faith, compassion and justice. The organisation extend greetings to Muslims worldwide and call for renewed commitment to peace and shared humanity.
MPAC note say the annual gathering of millions of pilgrims for Makkah for Hajj remain one of the strongest demonstrations of equality and submission to Allah, where people of different races, nationalities and social classes worship together without distinction.
But the group express concern over worsening insecurity and economic hardship for Nigeria. According to MPAC, many citizens no fit travel home for Eid because of fear from kidnapping, banditry and violent attacks. Many Nigerians dey live under increasing fear and financial pressure.
MPAC urge governments at all levels to prioritise policies wey go restore security, protect lives and improve economic conditions. The organisation also lament the destruction of homes, hospitals, schools and refugee shelters, noting say thousands of innocent Palestinians continue to suffer under violence and occupation.
“For the people of Palestine, this is yet another Eid under siege,” the statement say, while urging people across the world to continue speaking against oppression and injustice.
Despite the challenges, MPAC say Eid-ul-Adha remain a message of hope, perseverance and faith, drawing lessons from the story of Prophet Ibrahim, Sayyidah Hajar and Prophet Ismail. The organisation also pray for pilgrims performing Hajj from Nigeria and other countries.
MPAC further urge Muslims to move beyond symbolic sacrifice by promoting stronger families, compassionate communities, responsible leadership and a more just society.
Similarly, Senator David Mark, former Senate President, say rising insecurity across the country pose threat to Nigeria’s stability and development. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Communications and Public Affairs, Kola Ologbondiyan, Mark extend Eid-el-Kabir greetings to Nigerians, particularly the Muslim Ummah.
According to Mark, Eid-el-Kabir remind humanity of the enduring values of love, tolerance, generosity and devotion to service of mankind. “At this critical moment in our national life, I urge Nigerians to continue to uphold these virtues while praying and working for a more united, peaceful and prosperous nation. Our diversity should remain our strength and not a source of division,” Mark say.
He note say while Nigerians celebrate the festival, e important to acknowledge the growing insecurity and economic hardship affecting millions. “Across many parts of the country, lives and livelihoods continue to be threatened by violence, banditry, kidnapping and communal conflicts, leaving families in fear and uncertainty,” he state.
Mark call on governments at all levels to intensify efforts towards curbing insecurity through proactive and people-oriented measures. “Security remains the foundation upon which development and national progress can thrive,” he add.
The former Senate President also stress the need for policies to address poverty, unemployment, inflation and rising cost of living. “Citizens deserve not only security but also access to opportunities, social welfare and economic empowerment capable of restoring hope and dignity,” he say.
He further urge leaders to govern with compassion, justice and accountability while encouraging citizens to continue promoting peace and unity.
Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, commend troops for their gallantry and sacrifices across various theatres of operation. In his Eid-el-Kabir message, Oluyede pray for divine strength, protection and victory for security personnel confronting threats to national peace.
The CDS also appreciate security and intelligence agencies for their continued collaboration. He felicitate with personnel and civilian staff of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and their families, describing Eid-el-Kabir as a reminder of sacrifice, faith and obedience exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.
“In the same spirit, we are reminded that love for country, sacrifice for one another and commitment to peace and unity are noble virtues that ultimately lead to harmony, stability and prosperity for our nation,” Oluyede say.
He thank President Bola Tinubu for his support to the Armed Forces, expressing optimism that the nation go continue to thrive under his leadership.
Meanwhile, Federal Government declare Wednesday, 27th May and Thursday, 28th May 2026 as public holidays for Eid-ul-Adha. Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announce am through a statement by Permanent Secretary Dr Magdalene Ajani.
The statement say the declaration na in affirmation of Federal Government’s profound respect for the faith and spiritual heritage of millions of Nigerian Muslims. The Minister urge all Nigerians to use the period for prayer and sober reflection, and to seek divine guidance for the country.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also advise Nigerians to avoid ethnic divisions and hatred. After observing Eid-el-Kabir prayers at Dodan Barracks in Lagos, Tinubu tell reporters say Nigerians must be tolerant, generous, and united to build a greater Nigeria.
“We thank Almighty Allah for making us witness another year of Eid-el-Kabir. We thank Him for His mercy, and we must learn from this season’s lessons, namely, showing love to one another. No discrimination, no ethnicity, no hatred; we should share love and be generous to one another,” Tinubu say, according to statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu emphasise say Nigeria’s strength dey for its diversity and shared humanity. He condemn banditry and violence, saying “Nowhere in the holy teachings does it say you should engage in banditry or take a human life. The sacrifice we speak of teaches us that a child was replaced with an animal. That is the value placed on human life.”
Tinubu join at the prayer ground by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, former Governor Babatunde Fashola, Oba of Lagos Rilwan Akiolu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and other dignitaries.
Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaimon Abou-Nolla, in his sermon urge Muslims to uphold virtues of piety, sacrifice, generosity and unity, while praying for continued wisdom and good health for the President.
Vice President Kashim Shettima call on Nigerians to strengthen national unity and make collective sacrifices as the country journey toward renewal and sustainable development under Tinubu. He say the lessons of Eid-el-Kabir remain crucial to Nigeria’s pursuit of peace, stability and inclusive growth.
“What binds us together supersedes whatever divides us. As a nation, we must continue to strengthen the spirit of unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence for our collective progress and prosperity,” Shettima say in a statement by Senior Special Assistant Stanley Nkwocha.
