Avoid Partisan Politics, UNILAG Don Warns Churches

​Religious institutions risk forfeiting their moral authority if church leaders engage in partisan political mobilisation, a Professor of Communication at the University of Lagos, Prof. Ibitayo Popoola, has warned.

​Speaking during the 18th-anniversary celebration of the Divine Prayer Favour Assembly Ministry held in Mowe, Ogun State, Popoola maintained that the primary responsibility of religious organisations ahead of the 2027 general elections should be praying for peaceful, free, and fair polls rather than driving voter recruitment.

​He emphasised that voter mobilisation is strictly the constitutional mandate of political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission. According to the cleric, dragging men of God into partisan mobilisation exposes them to unwarranted allegations of financial inducement from politicians, eroding the sacred trust and integrity expected of religious leaders.

ADVERTISEMENT

​“The role of the church—it shouldn’t be that of mobilising people to vote. That is one way by which the men of God can be drawn into politics. What I believe should be the role of the church is to pray for peaceful, free and fair elections,” Popoola stated.

​Instead of partisan involvement, Popoola charged religious leaders to focus heavily on youth mentorship, character building, and actively discouraging young people from being exploited as political thugs. He urged churches to intensify anti-vices campaigns against drug abuse, dishonesty, and criminality, while guiding younger generations toward constructive national contributions.

​The event also drew prominent figures, including the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, who lauded Popoola’s dedication to youth development and societal guidance. The anniversary service featured a minute of silence observed in honour of the late communication scholar, Prof. Idowu Shobowale, who originally inaugurated the ministry.