The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has raised concerns over the growing use of religion as a tool for political mobilisation ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The organisation warned that allowing religious platforms to become campaign grounds could undermine voters’ freedom of choice, deepen social divisions and threaten peaceful elections.
CISLAC Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, said political campaigns should be driven by issues that directly affect Nigerians rather than religious or ethnic sentiments.
He listed security, education, healthcare, employment, infrastructure, poverty reduction and accountability among the issues candidates should address as they seek voters’ support.
The group also expressed concern over reports of religious gatherings in parts of northern Nigeria where some religious leaders were allegedly endorsing political parties and candidates.
It specifically cited reported political activities in Plateau and Jigawa states, urging religious leaders to protect the neutrality and moral authority of their institutions.
“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.
The organisation further drew attention to allegations of threats against some residents of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory over their voting preferences.
It said no citizen should be forced to support a political party or candidate through threats of eviction, intimidation or violence.
“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 group said.
Rafsanjani called on the Federal Government, state governments, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other relevant institutions to act against electoral manipulation, inducement and intimidation carried out through religious platforms.
CISLAC also challenged political parties and candidates to earn voters’ support through their records, policies, competence and plans for good governance.
The organisation urged Nigerians to look beyond religious and ethnic affiliations when choosing candidates, saying voters should judge politicians by issues that affect their daily lives.
CISLAC warned that the continued weaponisation of religion in politics could further polarise the country and jeopardise peaceful elections in 2027.
The group said it would continue to monitor electoral developments and promote transparency, accountability and issue-based politics ahead of the polls.