The leadership of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Ayo Ni O, has warned political stakeholders in Nigeria against using ethnic or religious identity to incite hostility among the people. The church's acting spiritual father and chairman, Senior Special Apostle Pastor Dr. Gabriel Olayinka Kassim, gave this warning while speaking with journalists at Galilee Land Orile Igbon. He emphasized that political competition should focus on ideas, policies, competence, and service rather than destruction of opponents or division of communities.
The church leader rejected political violence, voter intimidation, vote buying, and the spread of false information. He called on political leaders, parties, candidates, public institutions, and citizens to protect the integrity of Nigeria's democratic process. According to him, elections must be peaceful, credible, transparent, and conducted in accordance with the law. The church also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, political parties, the media, civil society, and other stakeholders to discharge their responsibilities impartially and transparently.
The Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church cautioned churches in Nigeria not to become a platform for partisan hostility. The church stated that Christians are entitled to participate in politics and contribute to public debate, but their common witness must remain rooted in truth, justice, peace, and respect for human dignity. The church leader encouraged citizens to fulfill their civic responsibilities and contribute positively to national development.
The acting Spiritual Father urged the federal and state governments to intensify efforts to reduce the cost of living and make essential goods and services more affordable. He stressed that the government should prioritize policies addressing food insecurity, unemployment, healthcare, education, housing, and other pressing needs of ordinary Nigerians. According to him, the welfare, dignity, and security of citizens must remain central to governance.
As the Church prepares for its 86th national conference, themed "Fullness of His Grace," the acting Spiritual Father urged members, delegates, and worshippers to approach the gathering with faith, humility, unity, and a renewed commitment to the service of God and humanity. He emphasized that the conference should serve as an opportunity for spiritual renewal, deeper fellowship with God, reconciliation among members, and a fresh commitment to Christian values.
The acting Spiritual Father encouraged all participants to make the conference more than a ceremonial gathering by allowing its message to inspire positive changes in their homes, communities, the Church, and the nation. He appealed to citizens to work together to build a better Nigeria. The church leader's remarks come as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The church's warning to politicians and stakeholders is a significant development in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. The church's emphasis on the importance of peaceful, credible, and transparent elections is a call to action for all stakeholders to ensure that the electoral process is free and fair.
Key points
- The Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide has warned politicians in Nigeria against using ethnic or religious identity to incite hostility among people ahead of the 2027 general elections.
