Category: Worship

As Nigeria approaches another heated election season, churches across the country are facing a defining test of identity: Will the pulpit remain a sacred space for spiritual guidance, or continue to morph into a stage for political theatre?

In recent months, the intersection of faith and politics has reignited debate across denominations. The tipping point came when the Anglican Church of Nigeria, disturbed by rising political rhetoric during worship, issued a landmark ban—prohibiting politicians from speaking at the altar during services. The decision sparked national conversation, exposing deep divisions among religious leaders, legal minds, and worshippers on how far is too far.

This feature delves into that tension—examining how churches are being drawn into partisan storms, what the law stipulates, and why growing voices within and outside the church are advocating for clear boundaries. Through interviews with pastors, bishops, legal experts, and everyday Christians, we explore whether Nigeria’s houses of worship can resist becoming campaign grounds—and whether they should.

Political campaigning or commentary in church services across Nigeria is fairly common, especially during election seasons or times of national concern. This phenomenon is influenced by Nigeria’s socio-political landscape, where religion and politics are deeply intertwined.

Recently, the outburst by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, on some politicians at the thanksgiving service in the Anglican Church drew lots of criticism. He accused critics of “envy” over his performance and vowed to teach unnamed detractors “a political lesson. This came with lots of criticism, and the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion promptly announced a ban on politicians and government officials from delivering speeches during church services.

In a strongly worded directive issued recently, the Church said it would no longer allow political figures to use consecrated platforms such as the lectern for any purpose other than worship. The guidelines, signed by the Primate, Henry Ndukuba, were issued after an Episcopal Consultation held in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu State.

The Anglican Church said the new policy is aimed at preserving the sanctity of worship and protecting the Church from being dragged into Nigeria’s divisive political arena.

“The Church must remain a place of spiritual refuge, not a platform for partisan messaging. We welcome all, including public officials, but we will not allow our worship to be politicised,” the Primate said in the statement.

Summary of new guidelines

Politicians and public officials are barred from addressing congregations during church services unless cleared beforehand by church leadership.

The use of the pulpit, lectern, or altar — sacred spaces in Anglican liturgy — is now restricted to the reading of scripture and preaching by ordained ministers.

Clergy and church officials are warned against offering excessive praise or endorsements of political visitors.

All parishes are instructed to avoid hosting or facilitating partisan messaging during religious gatherings.

The memo, circulated to all dioceses, emphasises the Anglican Church’s commitment to non-partisanship, even as it continues to play a moral and spiritual role in national life.

Mr. Ndukuba reaffirmed that while the Church has a duty to pray for and engage with leaders on governance and justice issues, “its pulpit is not a podium for propaganda.”

Political campaigning and commentary are widespread in Nigerian churches, particularly among influential clergy. While some view this as a necessary prophetic voice in national affairs, others warn of the risks associated with politicising sacred spaces.

It will be instructive to note that the Anglican Church will not be the first to announce such a ban on politicians on the use of its pulpit for propaganda. The Anglican Church in Kenya led the campaign.

The Church responded with a resounding, “No more.” From now on, no endorsements, no campaign slogans, no political fanfare from the pulpit. While politicians may still attend services, their voices—at least in political terms—will no longer echo through the consecrated halls.

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Kenya leads the way

Interestingly, Nigeria is not the first to take this path. In March, the Anglican Church of Kenya, under Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit, enacted a similar, if not stricter, policy.

Politicians in Kenya are not even allowed to speak inside the sanctuary. If they must address worshippers, it must be done outside the church building. Even donations are to be accepted quietly—no name-dropping, no clapping, no theatrics.

In Archbishop Sapit’s words, “We welcome leaders to worship with us, but not to campaign from our pulpits. We must preserve the sanctity of the church.”

While laws and enforcement vary, several countries have placed restrictions—or outright bans—on political propaganda in places of worship to preserve the sanctity of religious spaces and avoid political manipulation. Below are some countries where such bans exist or are actively enforced, with a breakdown by religion.

The comparative analysis of this data reveals how different countries handle political activity in churches—ranging from outright legal bans to church-led restrictions and cultural norms that discourage partisanship at the pulpit. Across all these nations, one message is clear: while faith and governance may intersect in many ways, most societies—either by law, tradition, or moral leadership—agree that the pulpit should remain sacred, not political.

Church must draw the line on politics, says Bishop Charles Ighele

The General Superintendent of Holy Spirit Mission, (The Happy Family Nation), Bishop Charles Ighele, has warned Nigerian churches against turning their pulpits into political platforms, stating that the sanctity of the church must not be sacrificed for political relevance or relationships.

Speaking to The Nation recently on the growing trend of politicians addressing congregations during services, Ighele cautioned that many pastors are either innocently or deliberately enabling political campaigns in places of worship, a practice he believes threatens both the unity of the church and its spiritual mission.

“The pulpit is not a podium for political campaigns. It’s meant to pull people out of sin, not push political agendas,” Ighele said. “Unfortunately, some pastors knowingly allow politicians on their pulpits to show off their connections or to gain political favour.”

He explained that while some pastors may permit politicians to speak as a gesture of respect, others do so to flaunt proximity to power, often displaying photographs with political figures in their offices rather than with fellow ministers or family.

Ighele, a political scientist, stressed that this behaviour can divide the church. “Not every member supports the same candidate. While some cheer, others are offended. This breeds discord in the body of Christ, which should stand united.”

Reflecting on church history, he noted how past entanglements with political power led to spiritual decay. “Hundreds of years ago, the church fell into decline when it got too close to the corridors of power. Today, we risk repeating that mistake.”

He added that politicians who visit churches should come humbly, recognizing the spiritual authority of the church, not using wealth or influence to dominate the platform.

Ighele commended the Anglican Church for its firm stance against political speeches on the pulpit, calling it “a worthy example” for other denominations. “Churches should emulate this. We must protect the altar from becoming a battleground of political endorsements.”

As the 2027 elections draw near, Ighele’s call comes as a timely reminder of the need for the Nigerian church to uphold its spiritual mandate and resist being co-opted into partisan politics.

Churches must not become echo chambers for partisan rhetoric-Emmanuel

As Nigeria’s political climate continues to polarize opinions, particularly in religious spaces, Pastor Evans Adetokunbo Emmanuel, theologian and setman of Grace Missions International, has weighed in on the controversial infiltration of politics into the pulpit, warning that churches must not become echo chambers for partisan rhetoric.

In an interview with The Nation, Pastor Emmanuel spoke on the growing trend of political figures using sacred spaces to push their agendas, a practice that has drawn concern from Christians, civil society, and constitutional experts alike.

“Someone once said people are political animals,” he began. “That means without restraints, we tend to reflect political leanings in everything we do—including the church. The church is part of the larger society, so you will naturally find political sympathies and biases. But it becomes a problem when the pulpit is turned into a political campaign platform.”

According to Pastor Emmanuel, politicians often view any gathering—especially large, attentive congregations—as a campaign opportunity. “To a politician, a crowd is a resource. Churches are full of people, and popularity is their currency. So naturally, some will try to exploit that for political mileage,” he said.

The ethical problem, he explained, lies not just in politicians speaking in churches, but in what such messages do to the spiritual and communal integrity of congregations.

“Politics is divisive by nature. Parties are about different views and opposing platforms. But the church is a unified body under one Lord—Jesus Christ. Nothing should be allowed to fracture that unity,” Emmanuel stressed.

He pointed to Christ’s own prayer for unity in John 17 as a scriptural mandate. “If we let politics divide us, we are working against what Jesus prayed for. Even when disagreements exist within the church, God wants us to resolve them in love. Introducing political rivalry into the mix is a dangerous distraction.”

Though he acknowledged that Nigerian politics hasn’t always been religiously charged, Pastor Emmanuel noted recent exceptions.

“Religion was a talking point during the last elections. The Muslim-Muslim ticket, for instance, was clearly a strategic move to secure northern votes. And yes, some politicians started showing up in churches more often,” he said.

However, he warned that hearing political endorsements or speeches during worship entrenches bias and alienates church members.

“In a typical denomination, people belong to different parties. So if a pastor promotes one political agenda from the pulpit, how do others feel? Will we then invite every party to campaign? God is not the author of confusion. The church should not become a platform for political chaos.”

When asked how churches can navigate political seasons responsibly, Pastor Emmanuel offered practical counsel.

“If a church decides to host a political debate or forum, it must invite all parties and follow the law. The church must be neutral, nonpartisan, and orderly. There should be clear boundaries. The goal should be to inform, not to influence votes.”

He emphasized that the primary mission of the church is to preach the gospel and disciple believers—not to endorse candidates.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with the overlap of faith and politics, voices like Pastor Emmanuel’s remind us of the sacred responsibility the church holds—to be a place of peace, not polarization.

“In everything,” he concluded, “we must reflect Christ—not our political preferences.”

Why churches must set ground rules for politicians- Barrister Chris Ubani

Barrister Chris Ubani, a Lagos-based legal practitioner and church elder, is calling for urgent clarity and firm boundaries within churches on the use of their altars for political activity. In an interview with The Nation, Ubani argued that while politicians have the constitutional right to freedom of expression, churches also have the right—and the responsibility—to protect their sanctity and neutrality.

“The church is not a campaign ground. It is a spiritual setting, a holy environment. Once you decide to allow political speeches, you blur the lines between worship and propaganda,” he warned.

No legal restriction—But there are consequences

From a legal standpoint, Ubani was clear: there is no law in Nigeria that out rightly forbids politicians from speaking in religious settings. However, he noted that the law does not offer any immunity to individuals—regardless of their status—who violate constitutional or electoral rules while speaking at the altar.

“Only the President, Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors enjoy legal immunity. A senator, minister, or any other politician can be held accountable if they defame, incite, or breach any section of the Electoral Act while speaking in church,” Ubani explained.

He emphasized that churches cannot be held legally liable unless they intentionally offer their platforms for political speech in a manner that contravenes existing laws.

“If the church sets clear ground rules before handing over the microphone, they have done their due diligence. They must make it explicitly known that the pulpit is not for political campaigns or slander,” he added.

The need for policy, not passivity

One key recommendation Ubani makes is for churches to develop internal policies regarding the use of their altars. Such policies, he believes, are vital in shielding the church from controversy and maintaining its spiritual integrity.

“Before you give a guest a microphone, especially a politician, let them know the rules. If they violate those terms, you reserve the right to take the mic away. That way, the church stays clean in the eyes of the law and the public,” he said.

He recalled his own denomination, the Assemblies of God, where the pulpit is strictly guarded.

“We allow political education—encouraging people to vote or get involved in governance—but not political campaigns, endorsements, or attacks on other candidates. The altar must not become a battleground,” he stressed.

Churches must know the electoral calendar

Ubani also warned churches to be mindful of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s campaign timetable.

“Even if a politician is a church member, they must respect the law. If the official campaign period hasn’t started, the church should not allow any veiled campaign messages from its pulpit. Ignorance is not an excuse,” he said.

In a sharp critique of what he calls “biased prophecy,” Ubani condemned the growing trend of pastors predicting election outcomes under the guise of divine revelation.

“Many of these so-called prophecies are not from God. Some of them are suffering from malaria or their own political preferences. They cloak personal bias as divine vision,” he said with a chuckle.

“Let prophecy be rooted in God’s word, not political calculations.”

Should CAN step in?

When asked whether the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) should issue a national directive to guide churches, Ubani was cautious.

“I wouldn’t want to impose. I believe it should be on a church-by-church basis. Some churches may accept political speeches, others won’t. But each must set a standard. Once you allow your altar to be used for politics, the public no longer sees you as a spiritual authority, but as a political mouthpiece,” he said.

As Nigeria prepares for yet another election season filled with tension, speculation, and propaganda, Ubani believes the church must rise above the noise.

“There’s nothing wrong with encouraging political participation. But the environment—God’s house—must be respected. Let the altar remain a place of healing, not division,” he concluded.

Legal minefields churches should watch out for

He identified legal minefields churches should watch out for stating that allowing campaigns before INEC’s official timetable may implicate the church. A politician who insults or accuses another person at the pulpit could be sued—and the church could be dragged in. If the speech is recorded and shared, inflammatory statements could become a cybercrime issue. Criminal Defamation: Especially when the speech involves false accusations with intent to damage reputation.

He advised churches to set clear ground rules, know the INEC timeline and reserve the altar for spiritual edification, not political showmanship.

“By standing firm and setting boundaries, the Nigerian church can remain a beacon of moral clarity in a politically noisy world,” he said.