Church Leaders Urged to Reject Political Endorsements and Protect the Sanctity of the Pulpit.

Church Leaders Urged to Reject Political Endorsements and Protect the Sanctity of the Pulpit.

A Nigerian cleric has urged church leaders to remain non partisan and resist endorsing political candidates, warning that the growing intersection of religion and partisan politics could undermine the spiritual integrity, unity and moral authority of the Church.

The cleric’s position comes amid renewed debate in Nigeria over the use of churches and pulpits for political messaging as the country moves towards the 2027 general elections. The debate has intensified following concerns that politicians increasingly view large religious gatherings as platforms for political visibility and mobilisation.

Bishop Charles Ighele, General Superintendent of Holy Spirit Mission, also known as The Happy Family Nation, has argued that the pulpit should remain dedicated to preaching the Christian faith rather than promoting political interests. In comments reported by The Nation, Ighele warned that allowing politicians to use church platforms for campaigns or endorsements could divide congregations whose members support different political parties.

According to the cleric, church leaders risk compromising their spiritual responsibilities when political relationships become too closely intertwined with ministry. He maintained that the Church should be able to speak on issues of justice, good governance, morality and national development without becoming an instrument for any political party or candidate.

The concern reflects a wider national conversation about the role of religious institutions in Nigeria’s democratic process. During previous election cycles, some prominent Christian leaders and organisations publicly expressed preferences for candidates, while other church leaders called for voters to assess candidates based on competence, character and policy rather than religious identity. The Nation has previously documented the tensions surrounding church endorsements during the 2023 election.

The Anglican Church of Nigeria has also taken steps to restrict partisan political activity within worship settings. In 2025, the Church announced restrictions on politicians addressing congregations from the altar, stressing that sacred spaces should not be converted into platforms for political speeches or campaigning. The development was reported by Independent Nigeria and subsequently examined by The Nation.

Beyond the question of political endorsements, the debate raises broader concerns about the independence of religious institutions. Critics of partisan religious involvement argue that once a church openly identifies with a political candidate or party, it can become more difficult for its leaders to challenge that politician when policies or conduct conflict with the values the Church claims to uphold.

At the same time, remaining non partisan does not necessarily mean that churches must remain silent on public affairs. Religious institutions can participate in civic education, encourage voter participation and speak about corruption, poverty, insecurity, justice and accountability while allowing individual worshippers to make their own political choices.

As Nigeria approaches another politically consequential electoral cycle, the call for restraint places renewed emphasis on maintaining a distinction between the Church’s moral responsibility to society and direct partisan campaigning. For advocates of a non partisan pulpit, preserving that distinction is essential to ensuring that churches remain spaces capable of welcoming citizens across political divides.

The central challenge, therefore, is not whether faith leaders should engage with issues affecting society, but whether such engagement can be conducted without turning religious authority into an instrument of electoral politics.