As different political parties and aspirants jostle to take over Anambra State Government House, Agu-Awka, a pressure group, the Academic Frontier Initiative (AFI), has warned religious leaders against partisan politics during the gubernatorial election.

AFI regretted that some religious leaders meddle into politics, which, according to the group, is a misnomer and political interference. It decried a situation where some church leaders would persuade members to vote a particular candidate because of their selfish interest.

According to AFI National Coordinator, Dr. Chinedu Onyeizugbe, in an interview with journalists in Awka, the role of religious leaders is sacrosanct in society, hence they should limit their participation to encouraging their members to vote according to their conscience.

The AFI National Coordinator said: “You cannot underestimate the important role religious leaders play, especially in shaping thoughts. It is actually difficult to separate politics and religion, but we can separate politics and partisan politics.

“It is sad that some of these church leaders play biased role when election is around the corner. It’s disappointing and must not be encouraged. I have seen cases where religious leaders endorsed candidates, thereby, influencing the voting pattern of their congregations.

“Let them not involve themselves in active politics; rather, they should encourage members to vote according to their consciences. We will not want interference of any religious leader in the Anambra state gubernatorial election, come November 2021.”

Onyeizugbe, who is an Associate Professor in the Department of Business Administration, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, also lamented the decay of infrastructure in Anambra. He stressed that the state needs an eminently qualified person with demonstrable leadership records to salvage it from total collapse.

The AFI National Coordinator warned against moneybags polluting the political space, and urged Anambrarians to shun vote selling by ensuring that they vote for the candidate of their choice.

He also disclosed that the group would be embarking on the second round of engagements with various aspirants and stakeholders, while harping on the need for scholars to become more involved in politics and politicking in Nigeria.

Reports show that at least no fewer than 15 persons from various political parties have expressed their interests in vying for the number one seat in Anambra State, come November 2021.

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