…Direct members to secure PVC in preparation for 2027 general elections
By Hassan Ibrahim
The African Traditional Religion (ATR) in Nigeria has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to address the longstanding and systemic marginalisation of Traditional African Religion worshipers in the governance structures of the country.
Chairman, Traditional Religion of Northern Nigeria, Mbami Iliya Sabka, who made the plea in a statement Sunday in Bauchi saying that: "This marginalization manifests through zero inclusion in political appointments, exclusion from access to public service roles, lack of any federal or state institutional framework to support our faith."
Sabka, who doubles as Chief Priest of Zaar Traditional Worshipers, said: “Despite the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom under Section 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Nigeria continues to operate with a clear institutional bias. Christianity and Islam receive overwhelming state recognition, support, and public funding particularly through the Christian and Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards while Traditional African Religion is entirely excluded from similar representation and benefit."
The Chairman further explained, "Traditionalists are Nigerian citizens. We pay taxes. We contribute to national peace. We preserve indigenous knowledge systems and moral values passed down for centuries. Yet, our voices remain unheard and our rights unacknowledged.
"We are not demanding privilege, we are demanding equity. We call upon President Tinubu to make a historic move and commit to the following actions: Establish a Federal Commission for Traditional Religion Affairs, with equal legal standing and funding as the existing Christian and Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards.
"Ensure proportional inclusion of Traditionalists in political appointments, public service roles, and national boards. Recognize and protect our cultural and religious rights, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where our communities are vibrant and growing in millions. Direct the relevant ministries and the National Human Rights Commission to end the ongoing religious discrimination in governance and uphold our constitutional freedoms," Sabka said.
Meanwhile, the Chairman has directed their members nationwide to register and secure their Permanent Voter Card (PVC) in preparation for the 2027 general elections, adding "To our people, prepare for 2027. To all believers and custodians of Traditional African Religion across Nigeria: your time is now. We urge you to register and secure your Permanent Voter Card (PVC) in preparation for the 2027 general elections. Let us unite our voices and ensure our representation in leadership at every level.Political apathy must give way to collective action."
"This is a call for Justice, not conflict. Our ancestors worshiped on this land long before the arrival of foreign faiths. We welcome peaceful coexistence and mutual respect. However, the principle of equal treatment under the law must be upheld.This is not a call for confrontation it is a plea for inclusion, recognition, and dignity.Let Nigeria be a nation that upholds all faiths equally," he said.
"President Tinubu has an opportunity to become the first Nigerian leader to formally recognize and act upon the legitimate rights and demands of Traditional African Religion practitioners. We urge him to rise to this moment and inscribe his name in history as a champion of true religious freedom. May justice reign. May peace endure. May Nigeria belong to all her children," he added.
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