By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Members of the Concerned Advocates for Good Governance in Nigeria have called on the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to caution pastors and clergymen against what they described as the growing trend of “unverified and sensational revelations” directed at politicians and public affairs.
The group expressed concern that repeated prophecies which fail to materialise were gradually damaging the integrity and public perception of Christianity in the country.
READ ALSO:Oyo APC Primaries: Teslim Kolawole Folarin Finally Speaks Out
Speaking during a media interaction in Lagos, the convener of the group said many religious leaders had turned prophecy into public spectacle, particularly during election periods and major national events.
According to the group, several clerics now issue prophecies concerning politicians, governance, elections and even football matches, only for such predictions to fail without accountability or apology.
“The situation is becoming embarrassing to many Christians. Some revelations are openly contradicted by reality, yet there are no consequences. This trend is exposing Christianity to ridicule and weakening public confidence in genuine spiritual leadership,” the group stated.
The advocates noted that while freedom of religion and expression must be respected, spiritual authority should not be used to spread sensational claims capable of misleading followers or creating unnecessary tension in society.
READ ALSO:Why Nigerian Youths Must Choose Wealth Over Politics
They urged CAN to establish ethical guidelines for public prophecies and encourage greater responsibility among clerics, especially those with large followings and media visibility.
The group further warned that the increasing commercialisation and politicisation of prophecies could erode the moral influence of the Church if urgent steps were not taken.
“It is unfortunate that some clerics now predict outcomes of football matches and political contests as though spirituality has become entertainment. Christianity should not be reduced to a platform for viral predictions and public drama,” the statement added.
The Merit Newspaper reports that the organisation called on religious leaders to focus more on moral teachings, national unity, peace-building and humanitarian service rather than controversial declarations aimed at attracting attention.
The group also appealed to Nigerians to develop critical thinking and avoid blind acceptance of every public prophecy circulated on social media.
