UNILAG's Prof. Popoola Urges Churches to Avoid Politics

Prof. Ibitayo Popoola, a Professor of Communication at the University of Lagos and Head Pastor of Divine Prayer Favour Assembly Ministry, cautioned that churches could lose their moral authority if pastors engage in partisan political mobilisation. Speaking during the church's 18th anniversary in Mowe, Ogun State, he emphasized the need for religious leaders to pray for peaceful, free, and fair elections while discouraging political thuggery.

Popoola stated that the church's role should not include mobilising voters, which he believes is the responsibility of political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He warned that pastors involved in political activities risk allegations of receiving money from political entities, urging them to maintain their integrity.

Additionally, he called for churches to educate young people against being recruited as political thugs and to support their development through mentoring and guidance.