2027: Keep politics out of churches, Soludo tells politicians

Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo has cautioned politicians against turning churches and other places of worship into political arenas ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The warning was issued on Sunday, November 15, 2026, during a church service in Awka, where the governor addressed the growing trend of politicians using religious gatherings to launch campaigns and distribute campaign materials, ValidViewNetwork reports .

THE WARNING

Soludo did not mince words. “The church is not a campaign ground. It is a place of worship, a place where people come to seek God, not to be subjected to political campaigns. Let us respect the sanctity of the church,” he said.

He urged politicians to take their campaigns to designated political platforms and not to exploit religious gatherings for political advantage.

“Those who want to seek votes should go to the people, not to the altar. The church must remain a place of refuge for all, regardless of political affiliation”.

THE CONTEXT

The warning comes amid a growing trend in Nigeria where politicians attend church services to showcase their faith, curry favour with religious leaders, and sometimes distribute cash and campaign materials to congregants.

In Anambra, a state with a predominantly Christian population, churches play a significant role in shaping public opinion. Politicians frequently attend services at major churches and make donations, often to the admiration of the congregation.

Soludo’s warning is a signal that he will not tolerate the use of churches as campaign venues during the 2027 election cycle.

WHY IT MATTERS

The line between faith and politics in Nigeria is notoriously blurry.Politicians routinely attend church services, make donations, and receive prayers from influential clerics.

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These public displays of piety are often carefully choreographed to project an image of godliness and moral authority.

But there is a difference between attending a church service and turning the church into a campaign rally.

Soludo’s warning is a timely intervention. The church should be a place of worship, not a political arena. It should be a place where all Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliation, can gather without being subjected to campaign messages.

But whether Soludo’s warning will be heeded is another matter. In Nigerian politics, the lure of the pulpit is powerful. And many politicians will continue to see the church as a valuable platform. ValidViewNetwork reports.