CISLAC Warns Against Religion's Role in Elections

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), led by Executive Director Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, has issued a warning regarding the increasing politicisation and weaponisation of religion in Nigeria's electoral process. In a statement, Rafsanjani cautioned political actors and religious leaders against manipulating faith to influence voters and divert attention from essential governance issues.

He expressed concern over the mobilization of political support through religious platforms, particularly in the North, where large gatherings of religious leaders have reportedly endorsed political figures and parties, including in Plateau and Jigawa states. Rafsanjani condemned the alleged intimidation of residents in Kuje Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, where threats of eviction were made against those not voting for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He called for accountability and urged religious leaders to resist political exploitation. CISLAC urged the federal government, state governments, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take action against the misuse of religious institutions for electoral manipulation.