The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a warning to politicians and religious leaders, urging them to refrain from exploiting religious and ethnic divisions in the lead-up to the 2027 General Elections. Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, made the call at a meeting of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in Abuja, emphasizing the need for Christian and Muslim leaders to speak with one voice against violence.
Akume appealed to religious leaders to issue a clear public message during the ongoing campaigns, stating that politics belongs in the ballot, not at the altar or mosque. He acknowledged the continuing threat posed by banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes, and terrorism across the country, and assured that the government is intensifying security operations and strengthening intelligence gathering.
The government plans to convene state-level forums before the end of 2026, involving police commands, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and religious representatives to identify potential flashpoints and promote peaceful elections. This move aims to prevent violence and ensure that political activities remain within the democratic process.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, decried the high level of corruption among religious leaders, calling for a rethink of the use of religious titles for people facing allegations of financial crimes. He revealed that the EFCC has numerous suspects identified by religious titles, including some who have been convicted and imprisoned for financial crimes.
Olukoyede emphasized that religious leaders and institutions have an extraordinary responsibility in Nigeria's anti-corruption struggle, and that one of the most consequential contributions they can make is to restore the moral dignity of honest living. He challenged churches and mosques to scrutinize the sources of donations and wealth brought before them, warning that accepting unexplained wealth could amount to providing moral cover for corruption.
The Sultan of Sokoto and Co-Chairman of NIREC, Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar III, called for a united religious response to corruption, declaring that no cleric, religious leader, or influential Nigerian should be shielded from the law when found culpable. He stated that religious leaders have a responsibility to support efforts to tackle corruption, as corruption is condemned by God.
The Nigerian government, through the NIREC, is taking steps to promote peaceful elections and prevent the use of places of worship for political violence. Key stakeholders, including religious leaders and politicians, are expected to play a crucial role in ensuring that the 2027 General Elections are free, fair, and peaceful.
Key points
- The Nigerian government has warned politicians and religious leaders against exploiting religious and ethnic divisions ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
- The EFCC has called for a rethink of the use of religious titles for people facing allegations of financial crimes, citing numerous cases of corruption among religious leaders.
- The government plans to convene state-level forums to identify potential flashpoints and promote peaceful elections.
