By Ewere Okonta
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Let’s sit down and talk like family today.
I want to ask a very simple question: Why do politicians suddenly become deeply religious during election seasons—and why do we fall for it every single time?
Have you noticed how, just before elections, our leaders suddenly discover God? They start attending church vigils, show up at mosque prayers with media in tow, and even cry during worship songs. Oh yes, tears. Real or rehearsed—who knows?
One minute, a man hasn’t stepped into church for ten years. The next minute, he’s at the altar, quoting Psalm 23 like he wrote it. And we? We clap. We cheer. We wave banners that say “God’s choice for 2027.”
But let’s be honest: are they quoting Scripture to feed their souls or to fool ours?
Faith as a Campaign Tool
Let me paint the picture clearer. In Nigeria—and in many parts of Africa—religion isn’t just faith anymore. It’s a campaign strategy. Politicians know that in a deeply religious society like ours, the fastest way to win hearts is not through good governance or sound policies. It’s by presenting themselves as “men of God in disguise.”
So, they don’t come to us with manifestos. No. They come with Bible verses and mosque donations. They sponsor crusades, donate to churches, and kneel before bishops—all just for that photo op. And we—the congregation—start seeing them as “chosen ones,” forgetting that even the devil quoted Scripture when tempting Jesus.
It gets worse.
We now live in a society where a politician’s spiritual display is more important than their integrity. We forgive looters because they built a cathedral. We overlook incompetence because they “fear God.” We elect people based on how loud they shout “Hallelujah,” not on what they’ve done for the people.
Tell me, what kind of Christianity—or Islam—is that?
The Church as a Political Platform
Let’s not pretend. Many churches and mosques have become extensions of campaign headquarters. Pulpits are now podiums. The anointing oil is now branding. And instead of spiritual discernment, we have PR managers disguised as preachers. Some pastors even “prophesy” victory for the highest bidder.
And we wonder why society is losing its moral compass.
When the house of God starts endorsing men who can’t even fix the roads to the church, we must ask ourselves: Have we replaced truth with tribe? Have we traded justice for jollof rice?
How It Affects Our Lifestyle
Now, let’s talk about the real impact—because this isn’t just about politics or religion anymore. It’s about how this unholy marriage between faith and politics has shaped the way we live, think, and act.
Young people now believe that to succeed, you must be connected to a “man of God” or be seen with a politician. It’s no longer about hard work, honesty, or purpose. It’s about optics—“how you package yourself.”
We’ve raised a generation that sees religion as a means to an end. They no longer pray for direction, they pray for contracts. They fast for visa approvals, not wisdom. And politicians have taught them that if you can fake righteousness well enough, people will ignore your corruption.
We now live in a country where:
- You can steal billions but still sit on the front row in church.
- You can be indicted for fraud, but be called “God’s General.”
- You can be a ruthless dictator but still receive an honorary doctorate in theology.
And the scary part? Our kids are watching. They’re learning that hypocrisy pays. That piety is just performance. That as long as you shout “Praise God” loud enough, people will forget that you lied, cheated, and failed.
A Wake-Up Call
So, this Sunday, I’m not preaching from a place of condemnation. I’m simply calling us to wake up.
We, the people of faith, must stop being political pawns. We must demand substance over slogans. We must teach our children that God is not a tool to win elections. That true leadership is not about how often you go to church, but how well you serve the people.
Let me say this as clearly as I can: Not every politician who quotes Scripture is sent by God. Some are just better actors.
So, next time a man in agbada walks into church holding a Bible he doesn’t understand, ask him what he did for your community when he had power. Ask him why your roads are still death traps. Ask him why your youth are jobless, your hospitals are empty, and your schools are falling apart.
And most importantly—ask him to stop mocking your faith.
Because the God we serve is not blind. He is not impressed by dramatic kneeling, public prayers, or fat tithes from dirty hands.
He is just. He is holy. And He cannot be used.
Let’s pray. But let’s also open our eyes.
Amen.
This is my Sunday sermon from my holy pulpit!
Ewere Okonta is the CEO of EOB Media. He writes from the Department of Business Administration, University of Delta, Agbor.