The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has warned politicians against exploiting religious and ethnic differences for electoral advantage ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging Nigerians to protect national unity despite growing political tensions.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, issued the warning in his Eid-el-Maulud message on Tuesday, August 25, in which he congratulated Muslims across the country and called for greater commitment to mercy, compassion, justice and peaceful coexistence.
Okoh said the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad provided an opportunity for Nigerians, regardless of religious affiliation, to reflect on values such as compassion for the poor and vulnerable, honesty, justice and peaceful coexistence.
He, however, stressed that these values must extend beyond religious celebrations and influence how Nigerians respond to the country’s economic and security challenges.
“For us as Nigerians, these values are especially important today because they challenge us to care for one another, protect human dignity and pursue peace even when our differences are exploited for political or personal gain,” he said.
The CAN president’s warning comes as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, raising concerns that religious and ethnic identities could increasingly become tools of political mobilisation.
Okoh urged Christians and Muslims to reject attempts by politicians and other interests to create divisions between the two major religious communities.
He argued that political competition should not be allowed to damage the relationships and bonds that hold the country together.
“Elections will come and go, but the bonds holding Nigeria together must remain,” he said.
Beyond the political concerns, Okoh drew attention to the economic and security pressures facing Nigerians, noting that rising living costs and persistent insecurity continued to place significant burdens on households and communities.
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“People are tired of promises; they want to see their lives improve,” he said.
He therefore called on the Federal Government and other leaders to move beyond assurances and deliver measurable improvements in the lives of citizens.
According to him, Nigerians need greater security, economic relief and leadership that places their welfare at the centre of governance.
“Leadership is not measured by what we promise, but by what Nigerians can see and feel,” he said.
Okoh also urged Nigerians to embrace collective responsibility by caring for vulnerable citizens, protecting human dignity and promoting peaceful coexistence across religious and ethnic divides.
While expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future, he maintained that hope must be accompanied by responsible leadership, good citizenship and justice.
He urged Nigerians to use the Eid-el-Maulud celebration to renew their commitment to peace and compassion, particularly at a time of heightened political, economic and social pressures.
“May this Eid-el-Maulud renew our commitment to mercy, peace and compassion, and inspire us to build a Nigeria where every citizen can live with dignity and hope,” he said.
The CAN president wished Muslims across Nigeria an “Eid-el-Maulud Mubarak” and prayed for continued peace, blessings and prosperity for the country.