Mahdi Shehu: Religious, traditional leaders could take the fall if 2027 turns violent

By Seyi Babalola

Mahdi Shehu, a public affairs analyst, has cautioned that if Nigeria’s general elections in 2027 turn violent, religious and traditional leaders may be held accountable.

Shehu gave the warning on Friday in a tweet on his official X page, criticising what he called the increasing participation of royal fathers and clerics in party politics.

He claims that many of these leaders are now motivated by self-interest rather than national progress or peace.

“Most royal fathers, men and women of God are openly or silently involved in politics not for God and country, but for personal survival, greed and cowardice,” he said.

He accused some religious and traditional leaders of hypocrisy, alleging that while they preach peace publicly, they allegedly support actions that promote division behind the scenes.

“They preach peace in public while promoting division, violence and destruction in private,” he added.

Shehu also claimed that many of them have shifted focus from spiritual responsibilities to material pursuits.

“Like most politicians, they are competing in the acquisition of estates, mansions, exotic cars and even medical tourism abroad,” he said.

He further alleged that some leaders have become distant from the people they are meant to guide, describing them as unapproachable and arrogant.

According to him, such behaviour undermines their moral authority and weakens their ability to promote unity, especially during election periods.

Shehu warned that if the 2027 elections are marred by violence, religious and traditional leaders would share in the blame.

“If anything goes wrong with the quest for peaceful 2027 elections, most royal fathers and men and women of God will be substantially responsible and will not escape the consequences,” he said.

He advised them to reflect on their duties and prioritise integrity over pecuniary interests, emphasising that leadership requires accountability.