By Passman Akpos
A fresh political storm is brewing across Nigeria after a strongly worded statement accused some major churches in Lagos of allegedly using the pulpit to psychologically discourage Nigerians from participating actively in the 2027 elections.
The controversial claim, made by public commentator Iniobong Udoh II, alleges that several influential pastors and large congregations are subtly pushing messages designed to weaken public confidence in electoral change and make citizens emotionally withdraw from the voting process.
According to him, recent sermons, church program themes, and public comments from prominent clerics suggest what he described as a “coordinated emotional demobilization strategy.”
He pointed specifically to remarks credited to Pastor Enoch Adeboye, who reportedly told worshippers that the next president had already been chosen by God, as well as comments attributed to Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, who allegedly described Peter Obi as the best candidate but suggested he would not win.
Udoh argued that such messages are not direct endorsements of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), but rather subtle attempts to make Nigerians feel that resistance is pointless and that voting for change is futile
“This is psychological manipulation, and many Nigerians are not catching it,” he stated.He further claimed that with rising hardship across the country—including high fuel prices, food inflation, increased school fees, unstable electricity, business failures, and naira depreciation—the APC can no longer rely on performance to convince voters, forcing what he described as a shift toward “psychological warfare.”
According to him, religion has become one of the easiest tools for such influence because many Nigerians trust religious leaders more than they trust facts or political analysis.
He warned citizens to pay attention to repeated emotional conclusions such as “God has already chosen,” “Jesus is the answer,” or “focus on heaven,” especially when they are used in political conversations.
“God will not come down from heaven to thumbprint ballot papers. Nigerians will,” he declared.
The statement has since triggered fierce reactions online, with many Nigerians divided over whether pastors should comment on politics at all, and whether religious influence is becoming a silent force in shaping voter behavior ahead of 2027.
Supporters of the argument insist that faith should not be weaponized to suppress civic responsibility, while critics argue that pastors have every right to express moral and political opinions.
Udoh concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful but also politically conscious, warning that surrendering hope before the elections would hand victory to bad leadership before the first ballot is cast.
As the road to 2027 begins to take shape, the intersection of religion and politics is once again proving to be one of Nigeria’s most explosive public debates.
