{
  "id": 16128151,
  "title": "UNILAG don warns church against political mobilisation",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/unilag-don-warns-church-against-political-mobilisation",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-23T00:26:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/unilag-don-warns-church-against-political-mobilisation/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A respected University of Lagos professor and church leader, Prof. Ibitayo Popoola, has cautioned against religious institutions becoming entangled in partisan political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections. Prof. Popoola, who serves as the Head Pastor of Divine Prayer Favour Assembly Ministry, stressed that maintaining their moral standing is crucial for churches and urged religious leaders to focus on praying for peaceful, free and fair elections. He further encouraged churches to discourage political thuggery and prevent young people from being recruited to engage in violent activities. Popoola emphasized that the church's primary responsibility should be to mentor young people against social vices like drug abuse, dishonesty, and crime, while providing spiritual guidance and encouraging them to pursue their talents and contribute to national development. He also expressed concern about the potential for pastors to be accused of receiving money from political parties if they engage in voter mobilisation.",
  "summary": "A UNILAG professor, Ibitayo Popoola, has warned that churches risk losing their moral standing if pastors become involved in partisan political mobilisatio Read More: https://punchng.com/unilag-don-warns-church-against-political-mobilisation/",
  "key_points": [
    "Prof. Ibitayo Popoola warns against political mobilization by churches",
    "Churches urged to pray for peaceful, free and fair elections",
    "Focus on mentoring youth against social vices and spiritual guidance"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Prioritizing spiritual mentorship over partisan mobilization protects the moral authority of religious institutions and prevents clergy from becoming targets of political corruption or accusations of financial impropriety.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}