The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) has urged politicians, religious leaders and other Nigerians to reject divisive politics and work towards peace as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
ECWA General Secretary, Rev. Dr Ayuba Asheshe, gave the advice during a media chat at the ECWA Headquarters in Jos, Plateau State, where he spoke on the political atmosphere, insecurity, economic hardship and the responsibility of Nigerians to protect the unity of the country.
Asheshe said political differences should not be allowed to turn Nigerians against one another, stressing that belonging to different political parties does not make people enemies.
“Whichever political party you belong to, the whole idea is for us to bring something that will make our country move forward. It is not a do-or-die something,” he said.
He noted that Nigerians continue to share the same communities, markets, schools and other public spaces, while challenges such as insecurity and economic hardship affect people regardless of their religious or political affiliations.
The ECWA leader therefore called on politicians and their supporters to avoid bitterness and rhetoric capable of deepening divisions in the country.
“Anybody that is bringing a politics of division and decimation, may I call on you? Please stop that. This is the only country we have, and we must be seen building it,” he said.
Asheshe also appealed to religious leaders to remain neutral during the political season and treat all political aspirants fairly, rather than becoming openly partisan.
He said religious leaders should serve as fathers and impartial voices who encourage peaceful participation regardless of the political parties their followers belong to.
Responding to a question on whether the church’s call for peace was informed by fears of possible violence during the 2027 elections, Asheshe said his remarks were not based on any expectation of a crisis.
Rather, he said every political season comes with different forms of drama, some positive and others capable of harming the country.
He urged politicians to ensure that their campaigns and political activities contribute positively to Nigeria instead of worsening existing divisions.
Asheshe also called on Christian politicians to remember their faith and allow their conduct in public office to reflect their Christian values.
Quoting 1 Corinthians 10:31, he urged Christian politicians to ensure that whatever they do, whether in the legislature, executive or local government, contributes to the glory of God and the development of the country.
The ECWA General Secretary further stressed that religious leaders have a responsibility to promote peace and unity, saying Nigeria belongs to everyone and must be built collectively.
