The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has warned politicians against exploiting religion and ethnicity for political advantage ahead of the 2027 general elections, as it urged Christians and Muslims to reject attempts to divide the country.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, gave the warning in his Eid-el-Maulud message to Muslims on Tuesday, stressing that while elections would come and go, the bonds holding Nigeria together must remain intact.

Okoh also called on the Federal Government and leaders at all levels to move beyond promises and take visible action to address insecurity and the economic hardship confronting millions of Nigerians.

He said the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad offered an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on values of mercy, justice, compassion, honesty and peaceful coexistence.

According to him, those values are particularly important at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with rising living costs and insecurity.

Okoh urged the government to prioritise the welfare of citizens, insisting that Nigerians needed greater security, economic relief and leadership that placed their interests above political considerations.

He said: “This celebration comes at a difficult time for many Nigerians. The pressure of rising living costs and insecurity is being felt in homes and communities across the country. People are tired of promises; they want to see their lives improve.

“I therefore urge the Federal Government and leaders at all levels to move from promises to visible action. Nigerians need greater security, economic relief and leadership that puts their welfare first.

“Leadership is not measured by what we promise, but by what Nigerians can see and feel.”

Turning to the 2027 elections, the CAN president cautioned politicians against weaponising religious and ethnic differences to secure votes or political advantage.

“As we approach the 2027 elections, I also appeal to politicians not to exploit religion or ethnicity for political advantage. Elections will come and go, but the bonds that hold Nigeria together must remain.”

Okoh further urged Christians and Muslims to resist attempts by political actors to set the two faiths against each other, saying both communities had a shared responsibility to protect vulnerable Nigerians and promote peace.

“Christians and Muslims must refuse to be divided by those who seek political gain from our differences.

“We have a shared responsibility to protect our communities, care for the vulnerable and work together for peace,” he added.

While acknowledging the difficult circumstances confronting the country, the CAN president said he remained hopeful about Nigeria, but stressed that hope must be matched by responsible leadership and good citizenship.

“I remain hopeful about Nigeria, but our hope must be backed by action responsibership, good citizenship and justice,” he said.

Okoh congratulated Muslims on the Eid-el-Maulud celebration and prayed that the occasion would renew Nigerians’ commitment to mercy, peace and compassion.

He expressed the hope that the celebration would inspire the building of a Nigeria where every citizen could live with dignity and hope.

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