NBC Warns Politicians Ahead of 2027 Elections, Calls for Peace and Credible Polls
NBC Warns Politicians Ahead of 2027 Elections, Calls for Peace and Credible Polls
The Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC) has warned political actors in Nigeria to follow democratic rules and avoid violence as the country gradually moves toward the 2027 general elections. The Convention’s President, Rev. Dr. Israel Akanji, made the call during a press briefing ahead of the NBC’s 113th Annual Session, scheduled to hold in Abuja. He stressed that no political ambition is worth the loss of human lives, urging both politicians and electoral bodies to prioritize peace and credibility.
The Nigerian Baptist Convention is one of Nigeria’s oldest Christian bodies, with a long history spanning over a century. As the nation enters a period where political alignments and campaigns are expected to intensify ahead of 2027, religious institutions have increasingly spoken out on governance, insecurity, and national development.
Akanji addressed journalists on Friday in preparation for the Convention’s annual gathering, which will hold from April 18 to 23 at the Baptist International Convention Centre (BICC), Kubwa, Abuja. The session is expected to draw Baptist faithful across Nigeria and beyond, combining worship, reflection, and prayers for national transformation.
At the media briefing, Rev. Akanji warned politicians against turning the upcoming election season into a period of unrest, violence, and manipulation.
He noted that while political activities are expected as 2027 approaches, leaders must not lose focus on governance or compromise national peace.
The NBC President also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain neutral and ensure the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections.
Beyond politics, the Convention used the opportunity to highlight major national concerns affecting Nigerians, including insecurity, youth migration, education, infrastructure, electricity supply, agriculture, and healthcare.
The NBC also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for economic reforms currently being implemented but urged stronger monitoring and execution across federal, state, and local government levels to ensure the reforms produce visible benefits for citizens.
Akanji strongly cautioned political leaders against electoral malpractice and violence.
“As we are at the verge of the electioneering season, it is imperative to urge our politicians to play the game according to the rules and shun all forms of violence and election malpractices. Our political ambition is not worth the blood of anyone.”
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Speaking on insecurity and killings across the country, he added:
“The situation where mass burials are taking place in parts of Plateau, Benue, Niger, and other states is totally unacceptable.”
He further urged security agencies and the judiciary to accelerate arrests and prosecutions of those responsible for violence and criminal attacks across Nigeria.
The NBC’s warning is significant because Nigeria has historically experienced politically motivated violence during election periods. The Convention’s position reflects a growing demand among faith communities for peaceful democratic processes and national accountability.
The call for INEC neutrality also highlights increasing public concern about electoral credibility. For many Nigerians, free and fair elections remain a foundation for rebuilding trust in governance and strengthening democracy.
The Convention’s broader national concerns also reveal how religious bodies are not only focused on spiritual matters but are actively addressing national development issues such as economic hardship, poor infrastructure, insecurity, and youth migration.
On the “Japa” trend, the NBC expressed concern that Nigeria is losing skilled manpower and that many young people are risking their lives through irregular migration routes. The Convention urged the government to create more jobs and stabilize the economy to reduce the desperation driving migration.
The NBC also advocated for stronger security reforms, including the establishment of state police, arguing that Nigeria’s current security structure is not adequately addressing the rising threats of banditry, kidnappings, and killings.
In education, the Convention called for a state of emergency, warning that the growing number of out-of-school children could deepen poverty and insecurity in the long term.
It also criticized the high cost of air travel, noting that Nigerians increasingly prefer flying through neighboring countries due to cheaper fares.
The message from the Nigerian Baptist Convention is clear: Nigeria cannot afford another election cycle soaked in violence, manipulation, or political desperation. As the nation prepares for 2027, the church is calling leaders to place human life above ambition and governance above personal gain.
For Christians, this moment is also a reminder that faith must not be separated from national responsibility. The church is expected to be a voice of truth, peace, and justice, especially in times when political tension could threaten stability.
The Convention’s emphasis on insecurity, youth migration, education, healthcare, and infrastructure reflects the reality that national transformation requires both spiritual renewal and practical reforms that protect lives and restore dignity to citizens.
As preparations for the 2027 elections begin to take shape, the Nigerian Baptist Convention has urged politicians to respect democratic rules and reject violence, warning that no ambition is worth bloodshed. The Convention also called on INEC to uphold neutrality and ensure credible elections, while pressing the government to tackle insecurity, joblessness, poor infrastructure, and worsening social conditions.
The NBC’s 113th Annual Session in Abuja is expected to serve as a major gathering of worship and national intercession, with hopes that spiritual renewal will inspire positive national change.
Content Credit: Moyosola Oni
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