President Bola Tinubu has urged Christian leaders across Nigeria to use their pulpits to promote peace, unity and responsible citizenship ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu appealed to church leaders to avoid messages capable of inflaming political tensions or encouraging division, stressing the influential role of religious institutions in shaping public opinion and promoting peaceful coexistence.
The president made the call as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections intensify, with politicians and supporters increasingly mobilizing across the country.
He urged Christian leaders to make their places of worship platforms for peace and reconciliation rather than political incitement.
The president’s message comes against the backdrop of heightened political competition ahead of 2027, when rival parties and presidential contenders are expected to intensify campaigns and mobilization across Nigeria.
Tinubu also emphasized the need for Nigerians to protect the unity of the country despite differences in political affiliation, ethnicity, religion or other interests.
According to the president, religious leaders have an important responsibility to encourage their congregations to embrace tolerance and reject messages that could deepen divisions.
He called on Christian leaders to preach peace and encourage Nigerians to resolve political disagreements through democratic and constitutional means.
The appeal reflects growing concerns about the role of religious and community leaders in political discourse as the 2027 elections approach. Statements delivered from influential pulpits can reach large audiences and potentially shape public attitudes towards political parties, candidates and national issues.
Tinubu’s administration has repeatedly highlighted national unity and peaceful political participation as important priorities ahead of the next general election.
The president therefore urged church leaders to deploy their influence towards strengthening social cohesion and discouraging violence.
He also encouraged Nigerians to place the interests of the country above partisan considerations, arguing that political competition should not become a source of hatred or division.
As preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, political parties are already repositioning and building alliances, while religious, traditional and civil society leaders are likely to play increasingly important roles in influencing public discourse.
Tinubu’s message to Christian leaders is therefore both a call for restraint and an appeal for them to become advocates for peaceful democratic participation.
With the political atmosphere expected to become more intense as the election draws closer, the president wants churches to use their considerable influence to encourage dialogue, tolerance and peaceful engagement rather than messages that could trigger hostility or incitement.
The success of such appeals, however, will depend on the willingness of political actors, religious leaders and their supporters to maintain responsible rhetoric and respect democratic processes throughout the electoral cycle.
