The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has warned politicians and religious leaders against using religion to influence voters ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
CISLAC said the growing use of religious platforms for political mobilisation could deepen divisions, threaten national unity and undermine peaceful elections.
The organisation’s Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, raised the concern in a statement on the political use of religion ahead of the elections.
He urged political parties and candidates to focus their campaigns on issues affecting Nigerians, including security, education, healthcare, employment, infrastructure, poverty reduction and accountability.
CISLAC expressed concern over reports of religious gatherings in parts of northern Nigeria where clerics were allegedly endorsing political parties and candidates. It cited reported political activities in Plateau and Jigawa states.
The organisation urged religious leaders to protect the integrity of their platforms and reject their use for political patronage, intimidation or vote 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.
The group also raised concern over allegations that some residents in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory were threatened with eviction if they failed to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
CISLAC described the allegation as troubling, stressing that every citizen should be free to choose a preferred candidate without threats or intimidation.
“No political party, candidate or individual has the right to demand exclusive political loyalty from citizens under the threat of expulsion, intimidation or violence,” it said.
Rafsanjani called on the Federal Government, state governments, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other relevant authorities to prevent the use of religion for electoral manipulation, inducement and intimidation.
CISLAC also urged political parties and candidates to face public scrutiny based on their records, policies, competence and capacity to deliver good governance.
The organisation appealed to voters to reject appeals based solely on religion or ethnicity and instead assess candidates on issues that directly affect their lives.
CISLAC warned that the continued politicisation and weaponisation of religion could worsen existing divisions and threaten peaceful elections in 2027.
The organisation said it would continue to monitor electoral developments and advocate for transparency, accountability and issue-based politics.