A faith leader and community voice in Gwagwalada, Evangelist Talent Shiloba Victor, has risen in strong defence of Pastor Dr. Cas of ECWA 1 Church following public criticism over the pastor’s reception of Hon. Kasim Mohammed, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate for Gwagwalada Area Council.
In a public statement issued on Tuesday, Evangelist Victor described the backlash against Pastor Cas as “unfortunate, misleading and morally unbalanced,” insisting that the church acted within its spiritual mandate by receiving a political aspirant without discrimination.
Victor, who identified himself as a member of Foursquare Gospel Church and a supporter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), emphasized that his intervention was neither partisan nor denominational, but driven by principle and respect for religious freedom.
“A church is not a political party office,” he stated. “It is a house of God where all people—regardless of political affiliation, tribe or background—are welcome. Pastor Cas committed no offence by opening the doors of ECWA to a visitor.”
The statement followed reports that the visit by Hon. Kasim Mohammed was used as grounds for public ridicule and criticism by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) chairmanship candidate, Hon. Ezekiel Zezelago Biko. Evangelist Victor condemned the alleged humiliation, warning that such conduct undermines democratic values.
According to him, Hon. Kasim Mohammed did not visit the church as a political aggressor but as a citizen seeking dialogue, prayer and goodwill—an act he described as normal and healthy in a democratic society.
“In every democracy, political leaders engage faith communities to promote peace, understanding and development,” Victor said. “Receiving a guest with dignity and neutrality is the duty of a pastor, not a political endorsement.”
He cautioned against attempts by politicians to dictate who religious leaders may or may not receive, warning that such actions could open the door to religious interference and democratic decline.
“It is dangerous for any politician to police the church,” he said. “Today it is one candidate; tomorrow it could be another. That path leads to oppression.”
The evangelist stressed that ECWA, like all churches, does not belong to any political party and should not be dragged into partisan battles. He described Pastor Cas as a moral voice whose responsibility is to pray for leaders and guide society, not to advance political ambitions.
While affirming the right of all candidates to contest elections and campaign, Victor urged political actors to conduct themselves with maturity and restraint.
“Leadership is about ideas, service and respect—not intimidation or religious weaponization,” he added.
He concluded by calling for decency and unity as campaigns intensify in Gwagwalada, noting that the community deserves leaders who build bridges rather than deepen divisions.
“Pastor Cas deserves commendation, not condemnation,” the statement read. “The church must remain a place of peace, not a battlefield for political rivalry.”
Evangelist Victor is from Gwako Ward, Gwagwalada Area Council.