The Christian Social Movement of Nigeria (CSMN) has called on the United States, United Kingdom and European Union to closely monitor Nigeria’s 2027 elections, warning that insecurity could disenfranchise internally displaced persons (IDPs) and residents of conflict-affected communities.

The group also urged the Federal Government to restore security ahead of the elections to enable Nigerians displaced by violence to return to their communities and participate in the electoral process.

CSMN made the call at a world press conference on the state of the nation, security, governance and the 2027 elections, with the theme, “Nigeria at Another Crossroad.”

The organisation said the international community should pay close attention to Nigeria’s electoral process and ensure that the 2027 elections meet democratic standards.

It specifically called on the US, UK and EU to monitor the process, expressing concern that insecurity in parts of the country could affect the ability of citizens to vote freely.

The group criticised Christian leaders and bishops who recently endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in the 2027 presidential election, describing them as “Judas.”

CSMN said such endorsements did not represent the position of the wider Christian community, accusing some unnamed Christian leaders of compromising their convictions in supporting the President.

Speaking at the press conference, CSMN Chairman, Governing Council, Elder Sunday Oibe, the international community must closely monitor the 2027 poll to ensure that Nigerians are freely allowed to choose their leaders.

“CSMN calls upon the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom and other international partners to pay close attention to Nigeria’s 2027 electoral process.

“International observers and partners should support electoral integrity, transparency, human rights, religious freedom and the rule of law.

“Nigeria is too important to West Africa and the wider world for the international community to look away if democratic institutions are weakened or citizens are prevented from freely choosing their leaders”, he said.

The group also said there were Judas in every setting and questioned the motivation behind the endorsement of Tinubu by some Christian leaders.

“There are Judas in every setting. These people are not speaking for the Christian community. These kinds of things happen when perhaps something has exchanged hands,” Oibe said.

His comments came two days after the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) endorsed Tinubu for a second term, citing his handling of religious diversity, appointments and efforts to tackle insecurity.

The CBCN President-General, Archbishop Leonard Bature Kawas, had announced the endorsement at the 2026 Synod of the conference and International Communion of Charismatic Archbishops, Bishops and Apostles (ICCABA) in Abuja.

Kawas said the conference had initially expressed concerns about the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in 2023 but changed its position following the appointment of Christians to what he described as strategic government positions.

CSMN, however, adopted a different position, endorsing the stance of the National Christian Elders Forum that Tinubu should not seek a second term.

The group cited insecurity, economic hardship, concerns over accountability and what it described as the failure of the administration to meet Nigerians’ expectations.

On the 2027 elections, CSMN warned that insecurity could disenfranchise IDPs and residents of communities affected by conflict, urging the Federal Government to restore security well ahead of the polls.

It also expressed concern over provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, particularly Section 138, which it said limited the grounds for challenging elections.

The group called for a national debate on the provision, arguing that electoral laws should inspire public confidence that questions concerning the qualifications and integrity of candidates could receive effective judicial scrutiny.

“No democracy should create perception that questions concerning qualifications or integrity of candidates cannot receive effective judicial scrutiny,” it said.

CSMN called on Christian leaders, denominations, organisations and political actors to work towards a Christian Political Consensus Project, saying the Church needed a coordinated strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.

The group stressed that its objective was not to persecute or exclude Muslims or other Nigerians but to promote equal citizenship, constitutional democracy, freedom of worship, justice and security for all.

It also renewed its opposition to the continued Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, saying its concern was about religious balance and the perception of representation in government, particularly amid attacks by violent Islamist extremist groups.

CSMN called for a new constitutional settlement, greater devolution of powers and improved accountability in the management of public resources.

It also urged the government to address insecurity, high living costs and unemployment, citing Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, which provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.

The group demanded an explanation for the N17.5 trillion reflected in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s 2024 accounts in relation to energy security costs.