The recent exchange between former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, , and supporters of former Vice President has once again highlighted a recurring challenge in Nigerian politics: the tendency to frame political competition through religious and ethnic lenses.
Following Babachir Lawal’s resignation from the (ADC) and his public criticism of Atiku Abubakar, a coalition of Christian youth leaders and stakeholders from North-East Nigeria issued a response defending Atiku’s record on national inclusion and religious coexistence. Their intervention has generated widespread debate about the relationship between faith, political identity, and electoral mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While political disagreements are legitimate in any democratic society, there is a growing concern among scholars, religious leaders, and civil society actors that the increasing use of religious language in partisan disputes risks drawing faith communities into political contests that should primarily be evaluated on policy, leadership competence, accountability, and national development.
The central question should not be whether a political candidate belongs to a particular religious group, but whether that individual possesses the vision, integrity, and capacity to govern a diverse nation effectively.
An Evangelical Perspective on Political Engagement
From an Evangelical Christian perspective, the Church’s prophetic responsibility is to speak truth to power, defend justice, promote peace, and uphold human dignity. However, this responsibility differs significantly from endorsing particular political personalities or transforming religious communities into political constituencies.
The late theologian argued that Christians are called to influence society through moral witness rather than partisan loyalty. Similarly, public theologian warns that when faith becomes excessively tied to political ambitions, religion can lose its prophetic voice and become vulnerable to manipulation by competing interests.
In Nigeria’s context, where religious identity remains deeply significant, Christian leaders and organisations must exercise caution to avoid creating the impression that Christianity itself is aligned with any individual politician or political movement. Such perceptions can inadvertently deepen social divisions and undermine the Church’s credibility as a reconciliatory institution.
Beyond Religious Identity Politics
Supporters of Atiku Abubakar point to his longstanding relationships with individuals from different faith traditions, his business partnerships, and his political alliances as evidence of a commitment to pluralism and national inclusion. Critics, however, remain free in a democratic society to scrutinise his political record and leadership vision.
Likewise, Babachir Lawal, as a prominent political figure and Christian leader, is entitled to express concerns regarding national leadership and governance. Yet public criticism should be conducted in a manner that encourages democratic debate rather than reinforcing narratives that may heighten ethnic or religious anxieties.
Political scientists have consistently observed that societies characterised by strong ethnic and religious diversity are most stable when political competition revolves around ideas, policies, and performance rather than identity. As scholar noted, identity based politics often intensifies social fragmentation when not balanced by strong civic institutions and shared national commitments.
The Responsibility of Christian Organisations
Christian organisations, youth groups, and faith-based associations have an important role to play in Nigeria’s democratic development. However, their contribution is most effective when they advocate principles rather than personalities.
The Christian witness in public life should emphasise:
Justice and accountability in governance.
Protection of human life and dignity.
Religious freedom for all citizens.
Peacebuilding and reconciliation.
Transparency and responsible leadership.
National unity across ethnic and religious divides.
When Christian groups engage public issues from these principles, they strengthen democratic culture without becoming instruments of partisan contestation.
Looking Toward 2027
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 electoral cycle, political leaders, religious organisations, and citizens alike must resist the temptation to reduce national questions to religious or ethnic calculations. The country’s pressing challenges including insecurity, unemployment, poverty, corruption, and institutional weakness require thoughtful policy solutions rather than identity based mobilisation.
The ongoing debate involving Babachir Lawal, Atiku Abubakar, and various civil society groups should therefore serve as an opportunity for reflection. Rather than asking which religious community supports which candidate, Nigerians may be better served by asking which leaders can build inclusive institutions, promote justice, strengthen security, and advance the common good.
For Christians in particular, the challenge is clear: remain engaged in public affairs, speak courageously on matters of justice and truth, but avoid allowing the Gospel to become identified with the ambitions of any political figure. The Church best serves the nation not by becoming a political faction, but by remaining a moral conscience for all in political discourse.
Cliff Stanley
Political Scientist /Analyst
Cliffstanley3@gmail.com 07032826319
