By Cliff Stanley.
Political Scientist, Analyst & Public Theologian.
The circulating message concerning Sheikh Yahaya Jingir’s alleged derogatory remarks about Christians, and the reported reaction of political actors, should provoke something deeper than partisan outrage. It should compel Nigerians especially Christians and Muslims to examine the relationship between political loyalty, religious identity and moral conscience ahead of the 2027 elections.
For Christians in particular, public theology insists that faith cannot be reduced to party membership.
The Christian conscience is accountable first to God and to principles of justice, truth, human dignity and neighbour love. “You shall not follow a crowd to do evil” (Exodus 23:2) remains profoundly relevant in an electoral environment where partisan interests can silence legitimate moral criticism.
However, responsible Christian engagement must also reject verified claims, religious stereotyping and collective condemnation. The derogatory speech and allegations should be something that should be condemn because of the patterns it is taking now that we are facing the 2027 elections.
Neither Christianity nor Islam should become instruments for political mobilisation against entire communities, we are all witnessing the challenges and hardship both as Christians and Muslims are facing in Nigeria, the pertinent questions the electorates should be ask is how is their lives before the 2023 elections?
The challenge before Nigerian voters in 2027 is therefore bigger than Muslim versus Christian, APC versus PDP, North versus South. It is fundamentally about whether citizens will possess the moral courage to question wrongdoing even when committed by political allies.
Jesus declared, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9), while Micah 6:8 calls humanity to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God.
Political parties will change. Candidates will come and go. But conscience must not be traded for a membership card or political gain to the detriment of the people.
The 2027 election should therefore produce not merely partisan voters, but principled citizens capable of holding every leader accountable without fear, favour or religious prejudice.
Cliff Stanley
Cliffstanley3@gmail.com.
07032826319.