Peter Obi's Church Visit Sparks Debate: Lawyer Warns Against Mixing Religion and Politics Ahead of 2027 Elections.

Human Rights Lawyer Calls Out Opposition Leader Over Sunday Service Appearance.

A prominent human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has taken aim at opposition presidential candidate Peter Obi following his recent appearance at a church service in Abuja's Koinonia Global.

Adeyanju isn't holding back he's warning that using places of worship for political purposes could dangerously deepen religious divides across Nigeria as the 2027 elections approach.

"The church is not a place for political campaigns or political gimmicks," Adeyanju stated firmly on Tuesday. "Politicians are not pastors."

What Really Happened at the Service?

Over the weekend, Obi attended a service led by Apostle Joshua Selman, founder of Eternity Network International. During the gathering, the former Anambra State governor made some striking comments that have now stirred controversy.

"I don't know what to say, but people are here for different reasons. We are all here for prayers, but pray for us politicians to stop stealing," Obi told the congregation.

He didn't stop there Obi insisted that Nigeria's problems stem from its leaders, not the country itself.

"Politicians are the problem of the country. There is nothing wrong with the country, but the politicians are the issue," he declared.

The Legal Argument:

Adeyanju points to the Electoral Act 2026, which he claims explicitly bans political campaigns in places of worship and prohibits campaigning along religious, tribal, or sectional lines.

"At what cost will it be when we continue to divide ourselves along religious lines using the weapon of politics?" he questioned.

The lawyer also took a swipe at recent gatherings where religious clerics were reportedly mobilized to endorse President Bola Tinubu, but insisted that Obi's church appearance was equally concerning potentially signaling a return to the religious politicking that marked the 2023 election cycle.

Obi's Message to Nigerians:

Despite the criticism, Obi used his platform to encourage Nigerians to read "Growing Apart," a book he says explains how countries that gained independence alongside Nigeria achieved development through different approaches.

He remained optimistic about Nigeria's potential, urging the congregation: "Pray for us politicians. Let God touch us to cease stealing. Do not say one is good and another is bad."

The Bigger Picture:

With the 2027 elections on the horizon, Adeyanju's warning highlights growing concerns about how politicians might leverage religious spaces for political gain something he believes threatens both the sanctity of worship and national unity.

"All is not fair in politics like President Tinubu wrongly said," Adeyanju added, urging religious leaders to draw clear boundaries between spiritual spaces and political activity.