By Titus Eleweke, South East Editor
AWKA, Nigeria – Human rights lawyer and Lead Counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Esq., has cautioned religious leaders against the weaponisation of ethnicity and religion ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ejiofor, who holds the traditional title of Dunu-Ezeugosinachi, gave the warning in his latest Weekend Musings, titled “The Auction of Ecclesiastical Imprimatur: A Disturbing Show of Shame and the Urgent Need to Quarantine Religious Authority from the 2027 Electioneering Campaigns.”
He stressed that the pulpit must not be converted into a campaign podium, warning that using religious authority for political leverage threatens Nigeria’s fragile democracy.
Danger of Religious Politics
Ejiofor noted that Nigeria is approaching another intensely contested electoral cycle, warning that the wounds from previous ethnoreligious political clashes remain unhealed.
“The pulpit is not a political rally; episcopal vestments are not party uniforms; the altar is not a campaign podium; and ecclesiastical authority must never become a substitute for democratic persuasion,” Ejiofor stated. “To introduce religious endorsement into the political marketplace is to play with a combustible instrument in an already fragile environment.”
He aligned his stance with recent remarks by Arise News Chairman, Chief Nduka Obaigben, who urged presidential aspirants to focus on issues-based campaigns rather than religious sentiments.
’Event-Based’ Episcopacy
Ejiofor expressed concern over a recent gathering in Abuja under the auspices of the Charismatic Bishops of Nigeria, where clergymen in full episcopal regalia endorsed the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate for 2027 in the presence of senior government officials.
While acknowledging the constitutional right of every citizen—including the clergy—to support any political candidate, he argued that mobilizing sacred institutions for partisan political endorsement crosses the line.
“Throughout the live broadcast, I struggled to discern any substantive ecclesiastical agenda beyond adopting and publicly endorsing the candidate for 2027,” Ejiofor said.
“On closer examination, I did not sight properly ordained bishops from established traditions. Given what unfolded, one might wonder whether episcopacy has now acquired a convenient ‘event-based’ dimension—appearing whenever the political weather becomes favourable.”
Conscience, Not Megaphone
Ejiofor emphasized that the moral authority of the Church does not derive from governmental patronage or political machinery, but from public trust in its spiritual independence.
On the role of the Church: “The Church should be a conscience to power, not a megaphone for power. A bishop should be able to challenge the government today and commend it tomorrow without either position being interpreted as evidence of political purchase.”
On Christian participation: “This is not an argument against Christians participating in politics; it is an argument against the politicisation of Christianity.”
He concluded by urging political actors and voters to ensure that the 2027 elections are contested strictly on performance, policy issues, and competing visions for the country.
“Our democracy certainly deserves better than an electoral contest fought in episcopal regalia,” Ejiofor added.
