The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged religious leaders to avoid presenting Nigeria’s security challenges as a religious war.

He warned that such narratives could undermine national unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Idris made the call in a keynote address at the 2026 Synod of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja. He also encouraged Christian leaders to use their influence to promote truth, peace, responsible citizenship and tolerance.

The minister said the Constitution guarantees freedom of thought, conscience and religion, and that the Federal Government remains committed to protecting every citizen’s right to worship freely. He stressed that no Nigerian should be attacked or discriminated against because of their faith.

Idris noted that terrorists and criminal groups have targeted people of different backgrounds, with the aim of creating fear and weakening national unity.

He said the government has strengthened intelligence gathering, inter-agency cooperation and military operations while expanding international partnerships on security.

With the 2027 elections approaching, the minister urged religious leaders to draw a clear line between political differences and religious hostility. He said elections must not be allowed to turn communities against one another and called on clerics to encourage peaceful participation in the democratic process.

Photo credit: PR Nigeria