Faith leaders warn politicians against exploiting hunger for votes

2026-03-16 - 18:57

As poverty concerns deepen By Luminous Jannamike ABUJA — Religious leaders have cautioned politicians against exploiting economic hardship to influence voters, warning that poverty and desperation should not be used to undermine democratic values in Nigeria. The call was made on Monday in Abuja during the National Religious Leaders’ Consultation on Faith and Nation Building, where speakers highlighted the need for ethical leadership, responsible political engagement and stronger national unity. Among those who spoke at the event were the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), Cornelius Omonokhua; the Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Joseph Ochogwu; Islamic scholar Sadiq Abubakar; and the Country Director of the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, Joseph John Hayab. The speakers discussed the responsibilities of religious leaders and citizens during the ongoing observances of Ramadan and Lent, stressing the importance of moral values, compassion and national cohesion. Omonokhua expressed concern that economic hardship can make citizens vulnerable to undue influence during political processes, urging Nigerians to prioritise long-term national interest when exercising their democratic rights. He also cautioned against the misuse of religion and misleading practices that may take advantage of vulnerable people, stressing the need for integrity and accountability among religious and political leaders. According to him, the country requires both personal and national reconciliation to strengthen unity and promote responsible leadership. He cited examples of ethical leadership in Nigeria’s history, including the humility demonstrated by the country’s first Prime Minister, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, noting that leadership should be defined by character and service rather than religious or ethnic identity. Speaking at the event, Ochogwu said faith has historically played an important role in guiding societies through difficult periods. He emphasised that faith and nation-building are closely connected and urged religious institutions to promote peace and social harmony rather than division. Ochogwu also commended the efforts of the Department of State Services (DSS) in managing tensions in parts of the country, including recent developments in Kaduna. He warned that Nigeria must address growing social and religious divisions to safeguard the freedom of citizens to practise their faith. On his part, Sheikh Abubakar said the spiritual discipline associated with Ramadan encourages reflection, compassion and social responsibility. “Fasting is not only about abstaining from food and drink; it is a discipline that promotes self-control, gratitude and accountability before God,” he said. Hayab added that the simultaneous observance of Ramadan and Lent offers an opportunity for moral renewal and deeper cooperation between religious communities. “These seasons remind us of shared values that can strengthen unity and support the work of nation-building,” he said. He called for greater collaboration among religious groups to promote peace, mutual respect and national development.