2027: Stop Weaponising the Name of Jesus for Political Gain, CAN Warns Politicians

Nigeria’s political history is replete with instances where faith has been manipulated to serve narrow political ends. From the contentious debates surrounding the 2023 Muslim-Muslim ticket to regional agitations framed in religious terms, the intersection of religion and politics has consistently heated the polity. By warning politicians to leave Jesus out of their political battles, CAN is advocating for a shift towards issue-based campaigns rather than the exploitation of voters' spiritual sensibilities.

For the average Nigerian, the weaponisation of religion during elections yields no tangible dividends. It does not fix the decaying infrastructure, stabilize the volatile foreign exchange market, lower the soaring inflation rate, or curb the security challenges plaguing various geopolitical zones. When politicians retreat into religious cocoons, they effectively deflect accountability, shielding themselves from scrutiny regarding their actual governance plans and track records.

Moving forward, the responsibility to sanitize the political space does not rest on the shoulders of CAN alone. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organizations, and the electorate must demand rigorous debates centered on economic recovery, educational reforms, security strategies, and healthcare infrastructure. Politicians must be judged by the content of their manifestos and the sincerity of their purpose, not by how effectively they can manipulate sacred symbols to gain temporary electoral advantages.