A Call For Truth, Responsibility, And Respect For The People’s Choice In General Elections

By Abdullahi Abubakar Mohammed (Sir. Abdallah)

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA: In a deeply religious society like Nigeria especially in the northern region, religious leaders hold great influence over the lives and decisions of their followers. They are trusted by millions to offer guidance rooted in the fear of Allah, justice, and truth. However, as general elections approach, some Religious leaders misuse Religious places, media platforms to campaign for certain political candidates. This dangerous practice not only undermines democracy, but also contributes to poverty, injustice, and the moral collapse of society including the rise in prostitution among other women and girls in Northern Nigeria.

THE MISUSE OF THE RELIGIOUS PLACES

The worship place is a sacred space meant for prayer, moral guidance, and spiritual upliftment not political propaganda. When a Religious leader begins to endorse certain candidates from the worship place or on radio and television, he shifts from being a servant of Allah to a tool of politicians. Such biased preaching misleads the followers, often pushing them to vote for individuals not based on competence or integrity, but on blind obedience to a religious figure.

Many of these candidates are corrupt and self-serving, with no plan for the welfare of the people. But because of religious leader said vote for him, poor and uneducated followers do so, thinking it is a religious obligation. This manipulation of trust is a betrayal of duty and a disservice to society.

THE CONSEQUENCES OF THIS BETRAYAL ARE EVERYWHERE:

1. Endless Poverty: Biased preaching leads to the election of leaders who neglect the people. Without jobs, food, education, healthcare, or infrastructure, the masses especially women are trapped in hopeless poverty.
2. Prostitution and Exploitation: When young girls and women have no opportunities, some are forced into prostitution just to survive. The same society that failed them morally now blames them socially. But the root cause lies in the poor leadership voted into power due to deceptive religious influence.
3. Loss of Public Trust: People begin to lose trust in religion and religious leaders when they see mosques being used for politics. It weakens the spiritual fabric of society and reduces respect for the faith.
4. Conflict and Division: Political preaching often causes division among Muslims, especially when members of the same congregation support different candidates. It creates tension, suspicion, and sometimes even violence.

THE TRUE ROLE OF THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS

A Religious leader should be a beacon of fairness, wisdom, and neutrality. His role is to educate the people about justice, good character, accountability, and their civic rights not to dictate who they must vote for. Encouraging people to vote wisely is different from campaigning for a particular party or candidate.

A CALL TO FEAR GOD AND REPENT

I urge you to fear God and stop using the worshipping places to support politicians. On the Day of Judgment, every word uttered will be accounted for. Let that fear guide your actions today.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Neutral Preaching: Religious leaders should avoid mentioning political candidates by name. Instead, they should preach about the qualities of good leadership, justice, and public service.
2. Voter Education: Use the platform to encourage followers to research candidates and vote based on merit, not tribalism or bribery.
3. Community Empowerment: Religious leaders should support programs that educate women and youth on political participation, helping them avoid manipulation and vote-selling. CONCLUSION

Biased political preaching by Religious leaders is a spiritual and social crisis in Nigeria. It undermines democracy, deepens poverty, and contributes to the moral decay of society. As the 2027 elections approach, it is time for religious leaders to return to the true teachings of God for justice, fairness, and truth. The future of millions depends not just on who is elected, but on how they are elected. Let us build a Nigeria where people vote based on truth and vision not fear or manipulation. Religious leaders, fear God and guide the people with honesty.

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