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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has cautioned political parties and their candidates against turning the 2027 election campaigns into “political warfare”, warning that the country cannot afford another cycle of ethnic and religious mobilisation amid worsening insecurity and economic hardship.
The association said politicians should stop treating election campaigns as battles in which religion, ethnicity and regional identity are weaponised for electoral advantage.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its Chairman, Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam, Northern CAN said Nigerians were already “insecure, hungry, unemployed, disillusioned and distrustful of public institutions”, while political actors appeared increasingly preoccupied with the struggle for power.
“2027 must not become another occasion for political elites to mobilize Nigerians along ethnic, religious and regional fault lines while the fundamental problems of the people remain unresolved,” it warned.
The association specifically cautioned political actors against exploiting Christianity and Islam for votes, declaring that the two faiths must not be turned into instruments of political mobilisation.
“Christianity and Islam must never be weaponized for electoral advantage,” it said.
Northern CAN said Christians and Muslims had lived, traded and raised families together for generations, urging religious and political leaders to reject inflammatory rhetoric capable of deepening divisions ahead of the election.
It said its intervention was not partisan, stressing that it was speaking as Christian leaders concerned about Nigeria’s survival, unity, peace and future.
“Our message is simple and unequivocal: Nigeria cannot continue on a path where citizens are increasingly insecure, hungry, unemployed, disillusioned and distrustful of public institutions while political actors become increasingly preoccupied with the struggle for power,” the group said.
The association identified insecurity as its “first and most urgent concern”, citing terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence, particularly across northern communities.
It said insecurity had displaced communities, disrupted farming and denied children access to education, insisting that government must deliver measurable security outcomes rather than assurances.
“A government’s most fundamental responsibility is the protection of life and property,” it said.
“We therefore respectfully but firmly tell the Federal Government and all state governments: the Nigerian people deserve more than assurances. They deserve measurable security outcomes.”
Northern CAN also called for better intelligence, equipment, technology, manpower and welfare for security agencies, as well as effective prosecution of arrested criminals.
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“No Nigerian should have to negotiate with criminals for the right to live, farm, worship or travel in his or her own country,” it declared.
On the economy, the association said millions of Nigerians were struggling with food, transportation, housing, school fees, healthcare and electricity costs.
“The poor cannot eat promises of future prosperity,” it said, calling for stronger social protection, food security programmes, agricultural support and employment creation.
It also warned that persistent unemployment and lack of opportunities could turn Nigeria’s young population into a “lost generation”, with some youths increasingly looking towards migration, political violence, cybercrime or hopelessness as alternatives.
“We need an economy that creates job not merely one that creates wealth for a small number of people,” it said.
The association further demanded greater transparency in public spending and challenged political leaders to demonstrate that they were willing to share in the sacrifices being demanded of citizens.
“The political class cannot preach austerity to citizens while government continues to be associated with extravagance, waste and unexplained expenditure,” it said.
Northern CAN said the North required particular attention because insecurity, poverty, educational disadvantage and unemployment were reinforcing one another.
“We cannot secure the North merely by deploying soldiers and police officers. We must also defeat the conditions that make young people vulnerable to recruitment by criminal and extremist networks,” it said.
The group called for a coordinated development initiative for northern Nigeria, focusing on security, education, agriculture, healthcare, rural infrastructure, youth employment, women’s economic empowerment and the rehabilitation of displaced communities.
It also challenged politicians seeking office in 2027 to present their records and allow voters to judge them on performance rather than propaganda.
“Political power is temporary, but the consequences of governance can last for generations,” Northern CAN said.
The association urged political leaders to remember that Nigeria belonged to all citizens and called for leadership that would protect the weak, punish corruption, respect the Constitution and treat every Nigerian as a citizen of equal worth.
It pledged to continue engaging government constructively but vowed to “speak truth to power” whenever necessary.
