The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has cautioned politicians and religious leaders against using religion to influence voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Raising the concern ahead of the elections, CISLAC’s Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Rafsanjani, warned that the growing use of religious platforms for political mobilisation could threaten Nigeria’s democracy, national unity and peaceful coexistence.

Instead, he urged political parties and candidates to focus their campaigns on issues such as security, education, healthcare, jobs, infrastructure, poverty reduction and accountability.

Citing reported political activities in Plateau and Jigawa states, CISLAC expressed concern over the gatherings in parts of northern Nigeria where religious leaders were said to have endorsed political figures and parties.

It said religious leaders should not allow their platforms to be used for political patronage, intimidation or vote mobilisation, stating that “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.”

CISLAC also raised concern over allegations that some residents in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory were threatened with eviction if they did not vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying that citizens should be free to choose their preferred candidates without threats or intimidation.

Rafsanjani also called on the federal and state governments, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other relevant authorities to prevent the use of religion for electoral manipulation, inducement and intimidation.

He also urged political parties and candidates to subject themselves to public scrutiny based on their records, policies, competence and ability to deliver good governance.

The organisation further appealed to voters to reject political appeals based solely on religion or ethnicity and instead assess candidates based on issues that affect their daily lives.