Politicians must reject religious extremists in 2027 elections

By Ibraheemalfa Abdulrasheed

As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, Comrade Joseph Enan Maigari, a concerned youth from North East Nigeria, has called on political leaders to shun religious fundamentalists in their alliances.

He emphasizes that leaders committed to national unity and progress must distance themselves from individuals whose political ideology is rooted in religious extremism.

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai exemplifies the dangers of religious fundamentalism in politics.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that his past statements and actions reveal a pattern of sectarian bias, religious intolerance, and divisive leadership.

Such a leadership style makes him unfit for governance in a diverse and multi-religious country like Nigeria.

El-Rufai’s Past Statements: A Warning Sign for Nigeria’s Future

The Christian-Muslim Dichotomy in Politics

In 2022, ahead of the general elections, El-Rufai publicly admitted that the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the APC was a deliberate strategy.

He justified the decision by claiming that Christians would never unite politically.

He argued that the choice was politically “calculated” and not accidental.

This mindset reflects a belief in using religion as a tool for political dominance rather than national unity.

Threatening Christian Communities

During his tenure as Kaduna governor, El-Rufai openly threatened Christian clerics who opposed his policies.

Rather than engaging them constructively, he labeled them as troublemakers.

Southern Kaduna, a predominantly Christian area, suffered some of the worst sectarian violence under his administration.

His government failed to protect lives and property in the affected communities.

His leadership approach reflected religious favoritism rather than fairness and inclusivity.

The “We Will Deal with Them” Video

In a viral video before the 2023 elections, El-Rufai made a controversial statement about power retention.

He boasted that Northern Muslims would ensure power remained in their hands indefinitely.

This remark suggested that his political ideology prioritizes religious dominance over justice and competence.

Any leader who believes that one religion must rule over others is a threat to democracy and national stability.

His Social Media Statements on Religious War

El-Rufai has a history of making incendiary and divisive remarks on social media.

He has mocked Christian communities and deepened religious tensions in Nigeria.

Such reckless speech promotes division and fuels hostility among different religious groups.

No leader with this mindset should hold any serious national political position.

Why Nigerians Must Reject Religious Fundamentalists in Leadership

Nigeria is a secular state, and leadership must reflect inclusivity rather than religious supremacy.

No religion should be considered superior to another in governance.

Politicians who promote religious dominance should have no place in leadership.

The country needs leaders who can unite Nigerians across religious and ethnic divides.

Any politician aiming to unseat the incumbent president must prioritize inclusivity, competence, and national unity.

Religious extremism should have no role in political alliances.

The Role of Youth in Rejecting Religious Extremism

The youth, as the largest voting bloc, must reject leaders who promote religious superiority.

Supporting such individuals will only prolong Nigeria’s history of division and underdevelopment.

Nigeria needs a generation that prioritizes progress over religious and ethnic sentiment.

Religious fundamentalists must be kept away from power to secure the country’s future.

A Call for Rational Leadership Over Religious Bias

Africa has suffered under leaders who manipulate religion and ethnicity for control.

Religious extremists—whether Christian or Muslim—should never hold political power.

They do not see leadership as service to all but as a tool to impose their beliefs.

Aspirants must align themselves with a progressive, issue-based political movement.

To protect this vision, they must reject alliances with religious extremists like Nasir El-Rufai.

Nigerians Must Vote for Fairness, Justice, and Competence in 2027

In 2027, Nigerians must not vote based on religious or ethnic bias.

They must support leaders who believe in fairness, justice, and national unity.

Nigeria will not progress under leaders who believe in religious supremacy.

The future of the country lies in development, inclusivity, and peace.

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