ABUJA — The Northern Nigeria Minorities Group (NNMG) has urged religious leaders to abstain from partisan political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that the use of mosques and churches for political mobilization could exacerbate tensions and expose citizens to violence.
The organization, which represents more than 200 minority communities across Northern Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, called on imams and pastors to clearly distinguish their spiritual duties from political engagements. The group emphasized that inflammatory messages delivered from religious platforms pose a significant risk to national stability.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, NNMG Convener Jacob Edi, also known as Kakaki Bassange, stated that religious figures should dedicate their efforts to praying for the peace and unity of the nation rather than engaging in electoral politics. He argued that the role of a cleric is fundamentally different from that of a political candidate.
“Politics is for politicians, religion is for pastors and imams. They should pray for this nation. They should pray for the peace and unity of Nigeria. When a pastor or an imam tells you about peace, he is not looking for your vote. He is not even looking for your money. This is his duty. This is his calling.”
Edi further advised that any religious leader with ambitions in partisan politics should relinquish their clerical position to pursue such goals. He suggested that individuals wishing to enter the political arena must formally leave their religious roles and join a political party.
“If he wants to come into politics, he should remove the garment or remove the jalabia or whatever and go to any party,” Edi said.
In addition to addressing religious leaders, the NNMG cautioned opposition politicians against actions that could destabilize the country. The group urged political actors to resolve disagreements through established constitutional and judicial processes rather than extralegal means.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
