As 2027 Election Nears, FG Asks Church To Help Keep Nigeria United
Dr Nafisat Makinde, Abuja
The federal government has called on religious leaders to help strengthen national unity and prevent political and communal tensions from escalating as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, made the call Wednesday at the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja, while representing President Bola Tinubu at the 12th Synod of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria. A statement on the event was signed by Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the SGF, on Sept. 9.
Akume said the Church’s influence placed religious leaders in a position to contribute to peacebuilding, early warning and national security, stressing that security could not be left solely to the military, police and intelligence agencies.
“National security cannot be the responsibility of soldiers, police officers and intelligence agencies alone. Security also begins with trust, social cohesion, early warning and responsible speech,” he said.
The SGF cited the August rescue of 308 abducted citizens from Kwara and Niger states as an example of recent intelligence-led security gains, but acknowledged that terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal conflict and other criminal violence remained major challenges.
With the 2027 elections approaching, Akume urged the bishops to promote peaceful and conscientious participation and speak against vote-buying, hate speech and the use of ethnicity or religion as political weapons.
“Elections will come and go, but Nigeria must remain,” he said.
He also cautioned religious leaders against turning the pulpit into an instrument of political incitement, saying an election should remain a contest for office rather than become a “war for survival.”
On the economy, Akume acknowledged the hardship Nigerians have experienced under the federal government’s ongoing reforms, saying citizens had shown resilience despite the difficulties.
He said that while World Bank indicators pointed to improved macroeconomic stability, the Renewed Hope administration was focused on ensuring that reforms translated into improved household incomes, affordable food, jobs, infrastructure, healthcare and greater protection for vulnerable Nigerians.
Akume said the government was expanding programmes in education, health, social protection and community resilience, while remaining open to correcting policies where necessary.
He called for stronger collaboration between government and the Church in youth empowerment, education, peacebuilding, civic responsibility and humanitarian services.
“Government needs the moral reach of the Church and the Church needs an enabling civic environment to thrive,” he said.
Akume reaffirmed the administration’s appreciation for the prayers and contributions of the Church to peace and national cohesion before declaring the 12th Synod of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria open.