2027: Keep pulpits out of partisan politics, northern minorities tell religious leaders

• Urge Tinubu to rein in associates ‘trading on his name’

From Fred Itua, Abuja

The Northern Nigeria Minorities Group, NNMG, has warned religious institutions against interfering in partisan politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that Nigeria is a constitutional republic and not a theocracy.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, its Convener, Chief Jacob Edi Kakaki Bassange, said the group was concerned by the growing intrusion of religious bodies into politics. He acknowledged that religious organisations have a right to comment on matters of public interest, but said legitimate advocacy must be distinguished from partisan interference.

The group did not name any organisation. But the warning comes amid a row over the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria called in January for the removal of INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, warning that Muslims might boycott the 2027 elections. Northern Christian leaders rejected the demand and accused its backers of politicising religion.

NNMG said no religious institution has an exclusive right to decide Nigeria’s political direction or to pronounce on the legitimacy of public appointments and electoral outcomes. It said any suggestion that results require religious endorsement, or may be rejected on sectarian grounds, is inimical to democratic stability.

“Electoral legitimacy” derives from the Constitution and established legal processes, not clerical verdicts, the group said. It added that INEC is a national institution and not a religious establishment, and that its credibility should be judged by its independence and impartiality, not the religion of its leadership.

It urged religious leaders to concentrate on spiritual obligations and prayers for peace. “Politics belongs to politicians, political parties and the electorate,” it said.

The group also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to caution individuals in his political circle who, it alleged, are exploiting his name and proximity to power to corner lucrative government contracts.

It said such conduct, when established, would amount to an abuse of presidential goodwill. It promised to make relevant information public “at the appropriate time”. “No one should trade on the President’s name for private enrichment,” it said.

NNMG urged opposition politicians to play by the rules. It said opposition is indispensable to democracy, but political ambition is no licence to disregard the law. Heating the polity merely to harvest votes, it warned, would inflict incalculable damage on national cohesion and democratic stability.

Representing over 200 minority communities across Northern Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, the group called on the president, opposition leaders, religious institutions and all political actors to show restraint and put the national interest above personal, partisan or sectarian considerations. “Nigeria belongs to all its citizens,” it said.