President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has explained why he has never tried to convince his wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, to convert to Islam, stressing his commitment to religious freedom, mutual respect, and love.
Tinubu spoke on Saturday at the funeral service of Nana Lydia Yilwatda, mother of All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, held at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) headquarters in Jos, Plateau State.
The President, who arrived for the service around 2 p.m., said his marriage to a Christian pastor has never led to conflict, despite their different faiths.
“My wife is a pastor. She prays for me. No conflict. And I never at any time tried to convince or convert her. I believe in the freedom of religion,” Tinubu stated.
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He added that both he and the First Lady serve the same God and would ultimately give account to Him, noting that deeds, character, and love for humanity matter more than religious labels.
Calling on Nigerians to embrace tolerance and peaceful coexistence, the President warned that hatred must never be allowed to divide the country.
“Hate is not an option for us. Love is what you preach—that we should love one another,” Tinubu said.
He also prayed for the repose of the soul of the late Lydia Yilwatda and asked God to comfort her family.
“May the Almighty accept the soul of Lydia and give all that she left behind blessings and glory. May her soul rest in peace,” he added.