The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has warned politicians against exploiting the name of Jesus Christ to achieve partisan goals ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The apex Christian body emphasised that while political discourse is naturally passionate, the sacred nature of the faith must be protected from being dragged into political rivalry. This caution to politicians against using religion for partisan interests comes as early alignments and rhetoric for the next election cycle begin to emerge across the country.
The move is seen as a preemptive strike to prevent the religious polarisation that frequently characterises Nigerian electoral processes, where candidates often seek divine endorsement to sway voters.
Speaking on the matter, the leadership of CAN maintained that the name of Jesus Christ is sacred and should not be used as a tool for political leverage or to create divisions among the electorate. The association urged political actors to focus on policy, governance, and the welfare of the people rather than weaponising faith to secure power.
Religious influence in Nigerian elections
The intersection of religion and politics in Nigeria has historically been a source of tension. In previous election cycles, including 2019 and 2023, religious identity played a central role in campaign strategies and voter mobilisation. The 2023 polls, in particular, saw intense debates over religious tickets, with various groups accusing candidates of using faith to alienate other demographics.
CAN’s current stance reflects a broader concern among religious leaders about the erosion of spiritual values in the face of political ambition. By issuing this warning early, the body aims to shield the church and its members from being manipulated into supporting candidates based on superficial religious claims rather than actual performance or integrity.
The association also noted that dragging the faith into partisan battles often leads to fragmentation within the church, as different denominations or leaders may align with opposing political camps. This internal division frequently weakens the ability of the church to act as a moral compass and a critic of bad governance.
The warning follows a period of heightened economic hardship in Nigeria, which has made the electorate more susceptible to populist promises. CAN is advocating for a shift toward issues that affect the daily lives of Nigerians, such as security, inflation, and infrastructure, rather than identity politics.
The Christian Association of Nigeria is expected to continue monitoring political utterances and campaign strategies as the 2027 cycle progresses, with a focus on promoting peace and national unity over sectarian interests.
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