2027: CISLAC Warns Against Politicising Religion for Votes

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has cautioned political actors and religious leaders against using religion to manipulate voters and influence the 2027 elections.

The organisation warned that the growing politicisation and weaponisation of religion could undermine Nigeria’s democracy, deepen social divisions and threaten peaceful coexistence.

In a statement signed on Wednesday by its Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC said political campaigns should focus on issues affecting citizens rather than religious sentiments, endorsements and partisan mobilisation through faith-based platforms.

It identified healthcare, education, infrastructure, poverty reduction, employment, security and accountability as issues that should dominate political debates ahead of the elections.

CISLAC expressed particular concern over reports of gatherings of religious leaders in parts of the North to endorse political figures and parties, citing reported instances associated with political activities in Plateau and Jigawa states.

The organisation said such practices could turn religious authority into an instrument of political patronage and electoral mobilisation.

“Religious leadership is a position of trust and moral guidance, not a commercial platform for vote canvassing or the promotion of political violence and intimidation,” CISLAC said.

It urged religious leaders to reject attempts by politicians to exploit their influence and instead use their platforms to demand accountability, justice, competent leadership and better living conditions for Nigerians.

The organisation also raised concerns over alleged intimidation of residents in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, where some individuals were reportedly threatened with eviction if they failed to vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

CISLAC described the alleged threats as an assault on citizens’ constitutional rights to freely choose their representatives, participate in elections and live peacefully in their communities.

“No political party, candidate or individual has the right to demand exclusive political loyalty from citizens under the threat of expulsion, intimidation or violence,” the organisation stated.

Rafsanjani called on the Federal and state governments, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other relevant authorities to act against the alleged use of religious institutions and leaders for electoral manipulation, inducement, intimidation and dissemination of false information.

He also urged political parties and candidates to commit to issue-based campaigns and allow voters to assess them based on their records, policies, competence and capacity to deliver good governance.

CISLAC appealed to citizens to resist attempts to make religion or ethnicity a substitute for political accountability, stressing that faith and ethnic sentiments should not prevent voters from confronting the socioeconomic challenges affecting their communities.

The organisation warned that the continued commercialisation and weaponisation of religion for electoral advantage could further polarise the country, weaken democratic institutions and threaten peaceful coexistence.

It said it would continue to monitor electoral developments and advocate for a political culture anchored on competence, transparency, accountability and the interests of Nigerians.