The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called on political parties and candidates to embrace issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, rejecting the use of religious sentiments as a tool for electoral mobilisation.
CISLAC warned that the growing politicisation and weaponisation of religion could undermine Nigeria’s democracy, deepen social divisions and threaten peaceful coexistence by diverting voters’ attention from critical governance issues.
According to an official statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, political campaigns should focus on issues affecting the welfare and development of Nigerians, including healthcare, education, infrastructure, poverty reduction, employment, security and accountability.
The organisation expressed concern over reports of large gatherings of religious leaders in parts of the North to endorse political figures and parties, citing reported instances linked to political activities in Plateau and Jigawa States.
CISLAC said such practices risk turning religious authority into an instrument of political patronage and electoral mobilisation.
“Religious leadership is a position of trust and moral guidance, not a commercial platform for vote canvassing or the promotion of political violence and intimidation,” the organisation stated.
It urged religious leaders to resist attempts by politicians to exploit their influence, saying they should instead use their platforms to demand accountability, justice, competent leadership and improved welfare for citizens.
CISLAC also condemned alleged threats of eviction against residents of Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory for failing to support the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The organisation described the alleged threats as a serious violation of citizens’ constitutional rights to freely choose their political representatives, participate in elections and reside peacefully in their communities.
“No political party, candidate or individual has the right to demand exclusive political loyalty from citizens under the threat of expulsion, intimidation or violence,” it said.
Rafsanjani called on the Federal Government, state governments, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other relevant authorities to take decisive measures against the use of religious institutions and leaders for electoral manipulation, inducement, intimidation and the spread of falsehoods.
CISLAC further urged voters to assess political parties and candidates based on their records, policies, competence and capacity to deliver good governance rather than religious or ethnic considerations.
The organisation appealed to citizens to reject attempts to make religion or ethnicity a substitute for political accountability, stressing that religious sentiments should not blind voters to the socioeconomic challenges confronting their communities.
It warned that the continued commercialisation and weaponisation of religion for electoral advantage could deepen divisions, weaken democratic institutions and threaten peaceful coexistence across Nigeria.
CISLAC reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring electoral developments and promoting a democratic culture anchored on competence, transparency, accountability and the interests of Nigerians.
