ABUJA — The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged religious leaders across Nigeria to avoid portraying the country’s security challenges as a religious war, warning that such narratives could further undermine national unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Idris made the call on Wednesday while delivering a keynote address at the grand finale of the 2026 Synod of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria and the International Communion of Charismatic Archbishops, Bishops and Apostles at the National Christian Centre, Abuja.

The minister stressed the importance of responsible communication by religious leaders, particularly as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said the Federal Government remained committed to protecting the constitutional right of every Nigerian to freely practise their religion, adding that no citizen should be attacked or discriminated against because of their faith.

Idris noted that Christians, Muslims and adherents of other faiths should be able to worship and live together peacefully.

According to him, Nigeria’s security challenges should not be interpreted solely through a religious lens, as terrorists and criminal groups have attacked Nigerians from different religious and social backgrounds.

He warned that presenting insecurity as a religious conflict could play into the hands of criminal elements whose objective, he said, is to create fear and weaken national unity.

The minister therefore called on Christian leaders and other religious authorities to use their influence to promote truth, peace, tolerance and responsible citizenship.

His remarks come as Nigeria enters the political season ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the Independent National Electoral Commission having commenced the electioneering timetable.

Idris urged religious leaders to contribute to a peaceful political environment by discouraging rhetoric capable of deepening religious divisions and tensions among Nigerians.