Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju has criticised what he described as the increasing use of churches for political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general election.
Adeyanju, in a statement on Tuesday, warned that mixing religion with politics could further deepen divisions in Nigeria. He argued that elections should focus on policies, ideas and competing visions for the country.
The activist specifically criticised the alleged renewed engagement with churches by the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, Peter Obi.
Adeyanju maintained that churches should remain places of worship rather than platforms for political campaigns or endorsements. He also called on pastors and other religious leaders to avoid providing politicians with opportunities to campaign or seek political support during church gatherings.
He cited the Electoral Act 2026, which he said prohibits the use of places of worship for political campaigns and bars candidates from campaigning on religious, tribal or sectional grounds.
Adeyanju also condemned the reported endorsement of President Bola Tinubu by a group of religious leaders, while accusing Obi of appearing to return to what he described as religious mobilisation ahead of the 2023 election.
He warned that continued political exploitation of religious differences could worsen divisions among Nigerians and urged politicians and religious leaders not to repeat what he described as the mistakes of the 2023 election period.
