Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju has raised fresh concerns over the role of religious sentiments in Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election, warning that campaign strategies rooted in faith-based mobilization could threaten the country’s long-term unity and political stability.
Adeyanju recalled that during the 2023 election season, he cautioned against what he described as a dangerous trend of a presidential candidate moving from church to church for campaign purposes. According to him, his position was met with criticism and insults from supporters who justified the approach as necessary, particularly in response to the controversy surrounding the Muslim-Muslim ticket fielded by the ruling party.
Drawing a comparison, he argued that it would have sparked widespread outrage if candidates like Atiku Abubakar or Bola Ahmed Tinubu had campaigned by moving from mosque to mosque.
The activist said the normalization of religiously driven political strategies has contributed to growing divisions, stressing that “actions have consequences, even when they seem politically beneficial in the short term.”
Adeyanju urged Nigerians to prioritize national unity over political gains, warning that the long-term effects of today’s decisions could shape the future for generations to come.
“We must think about our children and the kind of country we are building for them,” he said, emphasizing that the pursuit of power should not come at the cost of national cohesion.
He concluded by reaffirming his stance, noting that speaking out against divisive tactics remains necessary, regardless of personal beliefs or affiliations.
