Tinubu Urges Christian Leaders to Promote Peace, Reject Hate Speech Ahead of 2027 Elections
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Nnanna Wisdom
ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Christian leaders across Nigeria to promote peace, responsible political participation and national unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The President also cautioned religious leaders against using their pulpits to promote violence, hate speech, ethnic or religious divisions during the electoral process.
Tinubu made the call on Wednesday in Abuja while addressing the 2026 International Synod of Charismatic Archbishops, Bishops and Apostles held at the National Christian Centre.
The President, who was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said the Church had an important role to play in strengthening peacebuilding, national security and democratic development.
He urged Christian leaders to use their influence to bridge denominational and religious differences and encourage Nigerians to participate peacefully in the 2027 elections.
According to him, political contests are temporary, while Nigeria would remain after the elections, making national unity and stability more important than partisan interests.
"As charismatic bishops and fathers of faith, you have a decisive role to play in helping to ensure that Nigeria does not lose. I urge you, therefore, to encourage peaceful and consensual participation in the election. You should raise your voices against anti-democratic practices, such as vote buying, hate speech and the weaponisation of ethnicity or religion."
Tinubu further charged Christian leaders to contribute actively to the protection of Nigeria's democratic values by speaking against practices capable of undermining credible elections.
He particularly warned against the use of religious platforms to inflame political tensions, urging church leaders to preserve the pulpit as a place for moral guidance, conscience and reconciliation.
"This charge would, however, be incomplete if I do not admonish you to please refrain from turning the pulpit into an instrument of incitement instead of the sanctuary of conscience."
The President's message comes as political activities and preparations for the 2027 general elections gradually intensify across the country, with political parties, candidates, civil society groups and religious organisations expected to play significant roles in shaping public discourse.
His call also places renewed emphasis on the responsibility of influential institutions, including religious bodies, to discourage electoral violence and inflammatory rhetoric during campaigns.
The International Synod brought together charismatic Christian leaders for discussions on issues concerning the Church, national development, peace and the role of religious institutions in society.
Tinubu's appeal underscores the need for political participation that respects Nigeria's religious and ethnic diversity while promoting peaceful competition among political parties and their supporters.
The 2026 International Synod of Charismatic Archbishops, Bishops and Apostles was held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, against the backdrop of preparations for Nigeria's 2027 general elections. The meeting provided a platform for discussions involving Christian leaders on national issues, peacebuilding, leadership and the Church's role in society.
