BY AHMED AKANBI
The Northern Nigeria Minorities Group (NNMG), has cautioned religious leaders against using their pulpits to influence partisan politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that Nigeria must remain a constitutional republic where leadership is determined by voters and the law.
The group also called on President Bola Tinubu to caution individuals within his political circle who allegedly exploit their proximity to power and the President’s name to secure lucrative government contracts.
The convener of NNMG, Jacob Edi Kakaki Bassange, stated the group’s position while addressing journalists in Abuja, expressing concern over the increasing involvement of religious institutions in partisan political affairs.
Edi acknowledged the right of religious organisations to speak on issues affecting the country but warned against using religious platforms to promote political interests or influence electoral decisions.
He maintained that no religious institution had the authority to determine the country’s political direction or decide the legitimacy of public appointments and election outcomes.
The group specifically argued that the credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, should be assessed based on its independence and impartiality rather than the religious identity of its leadership.
The warning comes amid controversy surrounding INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, following a demand by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria in January for his removal and its threat that Muslims could boycott the 2027 elections.
Northern Christian leaders had subsequently rejected the demand, accusing those behind it of bringing religion into political matters.
Reacting to the development, NNMG insisted that electoral legitimacy derives from the Constitution and established legal processes, not religious endorsements or clerical pronouncements.
It urged religious leaders to concentrate on their spiritual responsibilities and pray for peace and stability in the country rather than becoming involved in partisan political activities. “Politics belongs to politicians, political parties and the electorate,” the group said.
On the conduct of political actors ahead of 2027, NNMG urged opposition parties and their leaders to respect democratic principles and operate within the law, warning that attempts to heat up the political atmosphere for electoral advantage could undermine national unity and democratic stability.
The group also raised concerns over alleged attempts by some individuals around the President to use his name and influence for personal enrichment, urging Tinubu to caution such associates.
“No one should trade on the President’s name for private enrichment,” it declared, promising to make relevant information public at the appropriate time. NNMG, which said it represents more than 200 minority communities across Northern Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, called on the President, opposition leaders, religious institutions and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and place national interest above personal, partisan and sectarian considerations.