2027 election: Anglican Church sends message to Nigerians, politicians, INEC, FG

In a bid to influence the upcoming 2027 general election, the Church of Nigeria, part of the Anglican Communion, has issued a strong call for unity, peace, and collective welfare. The appeal was made during the Church's 15th General Synod in Ogun State, where 142 Bishops, 199 Clergy members, and 145 Laity representatives gathered.

The Church emphasized the need to set aside partisan interests and prioritize national well-being. It specifically urged political actors and citizens to refrain from hate speech, violence, intimidation, vote-buying, and misinformation. The Church also stressed the importance of issue-focused campaigns and peaceful engagement, urging citizens to perform their civic duties responsibly and respect electoral procedures and results.

The Church's message extends to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Judiciary. It urges INEC to maintain its neutrality, transparency, and credibility during the election process, and the Judiciary to exercise independent and impartial judgment in election-related matters. The Church strongly warns against using political disagreements as a reason for hatred, violence, or the erosion of national unity.

The synod also expressed concerns over the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, including banditry, abductions, and fatalities across various regions. Although acknowledging the recent achievements in rescuing abducted individuals, especially schoolchildren and educators in some states, and the deployment of forest security personnel, the synod calls for intensified efforts across all levels of government to protect citizens.

The Church recommends enhanced intelligence operations, addressing ungoverned territories, and reclaiming areas controlled by terrorist organizations. It advocates for a proactive approach to addressing security challenges rather than a reactive one.