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The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has condemned alleged threats against residents of Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory over their choice of candidate in the 2027 elections, warning that the development, alongside the growing politicisation of religion, poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
CISLAC alleged that some residents in Kuje had been threatened with eviction if they failed to vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the reported threats as an assault on citizens’ constitutional rights to freely choose their political representatives and live peacefully in their communities.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the organisation warned political actors and religious leaders against exploiting religion and other forms of influence to manipulate voters ahead of the 2027 elections.
“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.
The organisation said the alleged intimidation in Kuje underscored the need for authorities to protect voters from coercion and ensure that citizens can participate in the electoral process without fear of reprisals.
CISLAC also expressed concern over the increasing use of religious platforms to mobilise political support, saying the trend could undermine national cohesion, peaceful coexistence and voters’ ability to make independent political choices.
It particularly cited reports of large gatherings of religious leaders in parts of the North to endorse political figures and parties, including reported political activities in Plateau and Jigawa states.
“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.
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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.
It called on political parties and candidates to focus their campaigns on issues such as security, healthcare, education, infrastructure, employment, poverty reduction and accountability rather than religious sentiments and partisan endorsements.
The organisation further urged the Federal Government, state governments, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other relevant authorities to investigate allegations of voter intimidation and take decisive action against electoral manipulation, inducement and coercion.
CISLAC also appealed to Nigerians to reject attempts to use religion or ethnicity as a substitute for political accountability, stressing that voters should assess candidates based on competence, policies, records and capacity to deliver good governance.
It warned that the continued weaponisation of religion for electoral gain, coupled with threats and intimidation of voters, could deepen divisions, weaken democratic institutions and endanger peaceful coexistence.
CISLAC reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring electoral developments and advocating for a democratic culture rooted in free choice, transparency, accountability and the genuine interests of Nigerians.
