The article reflects on a significant moment from the 2018 elections in Brazil, where the then-candidate Fernando Haddad criticized Bishop Edir Macedo, triggering a backlash among conservative evangelical voters. This incident raises questions about loyalty and candidate support among community members who felt targeted by Haddad's comments. The comparison is drawn to a recent event during the samba school parade in Niterói, which honored Lula as he campaigns for the 2026 elections, suggesting that right-wing evangelicals may question their allegiance to a candidate perceived to oppose their values.

The samba school celebration, while a display of cultural pride, has sparked contention among many evangelicals due to its elements of sexuality and ties to Afro-Brazilian religious traditions. The author highlights how public funding for this samba school adds another layer of controversy, suggesting that the financial support from the government may reinforce divisions between secular and conservative religious communities. As the elections approach, the symbolic meaning of such tributes could play a significant role in shaping voter sentiments and decisions.

Ultimately, the article discusses the potential backlash Lula may face from evangelical voters as they express their feelings about his campaign and the cultural associations he embraces. The narrative indicates that Lula's political strategy may alienate certain factions of the electorate despite his attempts to appeal to broader segments of Brazilian society, emphasizing the complex landscape of Brazilian politics leading into the next presidential election.