2027: CISLAC Warns Against Politicisation, Weaponisation Of Religion

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has warned political actors and religious leaders against the growing politicisation and weaponisation of religion ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued to Journalists in Abuja by its executive director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the organisation said the increasing use of religious platforms to mobilise political support could undermine democracy, deepen divisions and threaten peaceful coexistence.

CISLAC cautioned against exploiting religious sentiments to manipulate voters, suppress critical thinking and divert public attention from pressing governance and development challenges.

The organisation said political campaigns should focus on issues such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, poverty reduction, employment, security and accountability rather than religious sentiments and partisan endorsements.

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

According to CISLAC, such practices risk turning 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,” the organisation said.

CISLAC urged religious leaders to resist attempts by politicians to exploit their influence and instead use their platforms to demand accountability, justice, competent leadership and improved welfare for citizens.

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

It described the alleged threats as a serious assault on citizens’ constitutional rights to freely choose their political 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,” CISLAC stated.

Rafsanjani called on the federal government, state governments, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other relevant authorities to take decisive action against the use of religious institutions and leaders for electoral manipulation, inducement, intimidation and the dissemination of falsehoods.

CISLAC further urged political parties and candidates to embrace issue-based campaigns and allow voters to scrutinise their records, policies, competence and capacity to deliver good governance.

The organisation also appealed to citizens to reject attempts to use religion or ethnicity as substitutes for political accountability, stressing that religious sentiments should not prevent voters from confronting the socioeconomic challenges affecting their communities.

CISLAC warned that the continued commercialisation and weaponisation of religion for electoral gain could deepen social divisions, weaken democratic institutions and threaten peaceful coexistence across Nigeria.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring electoral developments and advocating for a democratic culture based on competence, transparency, accountability and the genuine interests of Nigerians.