Politics
That Call For More Christians In Politics
The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) says it has observed a dwindling interest among its members and Christians in general in Nigeria as regards playing active roles in politics.
In a communique issued at the end of its 68th General Church Council (GCC) in Jos, capital of Plateau State, last Saturday, the church decried a perceived political apathy among Christians in Nigeria and urged Christians to enroll into political parties of their choice with a view to affecting the political system from within.
According to the document which was signed by the president of the church, Rev. Stephen Panya and the General Secretary, Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, “The church notes with displeasure the high level of political apathy among Christians and encourage ECWA members and other Christians to actively join political parties of their choice”, adding that “Politics is dirty only because good people abstain from it”.
To give impetus to the resolution, the church council “approved the setting up of a political Advisory Committee at the District Church Council (DCC) level to provide guidance going forward in the new direction” but warned pastors to stay clear of partisan politics themselves.
It is not difficult to understand where the General Church Council of ECWA is coming from when viewed against the background of how colossal the political class in Nigeria has failed the people. From ECWA’s point of view, it is difficult to understand how the generality of the citizenry will be visited with such vicious level of mass poverty, ignorance, disease and insecurity of lives and property if the political class was sufficiently populated by men and women endowed with conscience, consideration (if not love) for fellow citizens, milk of human kindness and the basic fear of God. It is deducible from the perception of the church that “Christians” are endowed with those qualities and virtues that could make the difference in our political life, and eliminate corruption, greed, avarice, insensitivity, lack of sincerity, ungodliness and such unholy tendencies that have characterized the political leadership of our country.
Perhaps the church reasons that if Christian are at the commanding heights of political administration in the country, there would be less amount of frustration, dissention, anger, hunger and needless loss of lives occasioned by inadequate sensitivity to the plight of the common citizenry, selfishness and woeful mismanagement of the resources of the country.
Of course, the church can scarcely be contradicted on this score knowing that the faith is founded on love, sacrifice and selfless service to fellow man. The expectation, therefore, is that its adherents will be the embodiments of these virtues and concomitant values like honesty, probity, transparency, truthfulness, kindness, compassion, good neighbourliness, fairness, equity, justice and the like. Bring a good dose of these to bear in the management of any organization or society and you are on the way to reducing to the bearest minimum, strife and strain, conflict and contention within the body polity.
However, the question is ‘is it true that our government at all levels (federal, state and local council) have arguably not worked and are not working for the citizens because of insufficient presence of Christian officials? Or is it that what is lacking is a sufficient number of persons in the political class with the right Christian conviction, attitude, discipline and focus? And whose responsibility is it to raise the requisite quality of persons to populate the political class in order to bring about the desired state of affairs in the country?
Evidently, ECWA got it right when it observed that our society would run better with a good supply of people who have the right orientation, training and discipline of the Christian faith. But it is not very correct that we need more Christians than we already have in the administration of most parts of the country for things to be different.
While it is true that states in the North-Central and South-West have more than a fair share of Christians in politics as dictated by their population, states within the South-East and South-South regions are wholly dominated by Christians. From the local government areas to the state level, Christians who go to church every Sunday, hear the word of the Lord, partake in the rites, rituals and programmes of the church, expose themselves to the tutelage of men of God, receive guidance, counseling, instructions and prayers from spiritual fathers are the ones in total control of political affairs in the South-South and South-East States via the state and local council cabinets, the state and councils legislative assemblies, and the political parties. Yet the socio-economic fortunes of the people are no much different from other parts of the country.
It is no news that former christian chief executives of states and other top ranking political office holders are persons of interest of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other anti-graft agencies. In fact, ex-governors Joshua Dariye and Rev. Jolly Nyameh and serving various prison terms while now Senator Orji Uzo Kalu is breathing the air of freedom due to legal technicality. The point is that Christians have not proven to be a better breed of politicians in Nigeria so far. So, to merely increase their number in the political sector is not likely to change anything. What is however likely to effect a change is the involvement of a higher and better discipled Christians in the political arena and it is the duty of the church to produce them.
ECWA and indeed the church of Christ in Nigeria must therefore take a sober reflection and concentrate on raising Christians who would uphold the standards set by the Master wherever they find themselves, whether in politics, public service or anywhere else. It is indeed a failing on the part of the church that most of its members in public office cannot be counted upon to be exemplary in piety, faithfulness, trustworthiness, uprightness and deserving of honour, dignity and commendation.
From all indication, church leaders have not been known to strongly condemn and openly upbrade Christians in public service who engage in corrupt practices and thereby shortchange the people and deepen their misery. When the leadership of the church raises its interest and expectation of mega financial contribution, support and assistance from politically exposed individuals within its fold, it subtly constitutes itself as part of the problem rather than the solution.
It is understandable that ECWA warned its pastors to stay away from partisan politics so that the church can be insulated from the incontinences associated with partisan politics in Nigeria. Those who are named by the name of the Lord must be pure, holy and beyond reproach. However, they must be courageous and bold in constantly monitoring, and conscientising their flock in political offices to discharge their duties as service to the Lord.
“When the righteous are in authority the people rejoice”, the Bible says. The church must make it its cardinal objective to raise righteous leaders for the country so that the people of Nigeria can be assured of a better standard of life that will glorify God. It is an unsettling contradiction that Nigeria which is among the most religious countries in the world is also amongst the top worst governed countries while housing the greatest number of the wretched of the earth in addition to being among the most corrupt nations.
Religious organizations in the country, the church in this case, must make deliberate effort to raise responsible and patriotic citizens. There are too many citizens who are neither aware of their civic duties, obligations and responsibilities nor are prepared to abide by lawful instructions, rules and directives of constituted authorities. The church must complement the efforts of government by impressing on its members the need for them to be law abiding and accord adequate respect and regard for leadership at all levels. This is the only way our country can work for all. Citizens at all levels must be conscientised to obey laws, follow rules and adhere to regulations intended to make life easier for them. A responsible citizenship will no doubt produce a responsible and responsive leadership at all times. ECWA and the church in general must therefore ensure that the members they are encouraging and preparing to join the political fray are thoroughly groomed to effect the change Nigerians want to see.
By: Opaka Dokubo
In a statement issued on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Obiora Ifoh, the party said it had taken note of Mr Obi’s defection alongside some of his supporters, as well as what it called a “lacklustre speech” delivered by the former Anambra State governor at the defection event.
“We wondered what new he intends to sell to Nigerians,” the party said, adding that it was not surprised by the move, having “since September 2024, parted ways with Peter Obi and some of his blind supporters in the National Assembly.”
According to the statement, the faction said it had patiently awaited Mr Obi’s exit, describing it as a blessing.
“The party is finally liberated by this defection and as party leaders, we count it as a blessing,” the party said.
The faction further disclosed that it had previously urged Mr Obi and his supporters to leave if they were unable to work with the party leadership.
It claimed that several lawmakers had been suspended for anti-party activities and that similar action would have been taken against Mr Obi but for the intervention of “some well-meaning Nigerians.”
It also blamed its internal crisis on Mr Obi and Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, accusing them of sponsoring what it described as an insurrection against the Julius Abure-led leadership.
“The crisis we had in the Labour Party was caused by Peter Obi and the Abia State governor, Alex Otti,” the statement alleged, adding that it was surprising Dr Otti had not followed Mr Obi out of the party despite his suspension.
Reacting to Mr Obi’s defection event in Enugu, the faction claimed the gathering was largely boycotted by prominent political and traditional institutions in the South East, insisting that those present were “political spent forces who cannot win in their wards should there be an election today.”
It warned that this development signalled the failure of any future Mr Obi presidential or vice-presidential ambition, claiming he had “clearly lost the charm that had endeared him to the people prior to 2023.”
The faction also accused Mr Obi of misleading the South East during the 2023 elections, alleging that the region suffers political marginalisation under President Bola Tinubu’s administration as a result.
“He must be told that the South East lost out completely in President Ahmed Tinubu’s government because they trusted and believed in him in 2023,” the statement said, alleging disparities in ministerial appointments and infrastructure allocation to the zone.
The Abure-Led LP apologised to Nigerians for its decision in the last election.
“We gave Nigerians a candidate we thought was good for the nation in 2023, but time has since proved that we made the greatest political mistake. We plead for forgiveness from Nigerians,” the party said.
It urged Nigerians to watch out for a rebranded Labour Party, promising to present “the best prospect” capable of returning Nigeria to what it described as its “glorious days.”
steadily toward unity, justice, and shared prosperity”, he said.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday at his country home in Ikere-Ekiti, Dr Oluyede said the development came as a shock, stressing that INEC supervised and monitored the PDP governorship primary that produced him as the party’s candidate.
According to him, INEC officials documented the process, completed all required forms, and even affirmed his candidacy in court through sworn affidavits arising from cases linked to the primary election.
He maintained that no court order or injunction currently restrains INEC from listing his name as the PDP candidate, arguing that the electoral body lacks the constitutional power to determine who emerges as a party’s nominee.
Dr Oluyede described such decisions as the exclusive responsibility of political parties, not the electoral umpire.
While playing down panic over the released list, Dr Oluyede noted that electoral processes often involve reviews and corrections.
He disclosed that he had commenced wide consultations, including engagements with PDP leadership and formal correspondence with INEC, to seek clarification on the omission and determine the next line of action.
The PDP candidate assured his supporters across Ekiti State that he would appear on the ballot, expressing confidence that the situation would be resolved in his favour.
He described attempts to exclude candidates from elections as dangerous and undemocratic, warning that such tactics undermine the people’s right to freely choose their leaders.
Dr Oluyede called on the people of Ekiti to reject any form of disenfranchisement, insisting that elections should be contests of ideas, records, and acceptance by the electorate rather than exclusionary maneuvers.
He also declared that the PDP in Ekiti had resolved its past internal crises and was now united, focused, and ready to win the forthcoming governorship election.
He urged party members and supporters to remain calm and focused, expressing optimism that, with divine grace and the will of the people, the PDP would emerge victorious at the polls.
Mr Obi spoke while formally declaring for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) at a well-attended event in Enugu on Wednesday, where he outlined what he described as a fresh roadmap for rescuing the country from its socio-economic challenges.
Addressing party members, supporters and other stakeholders, the former governor stressed that leadership must be driven by integrity and accountability, warning against the culture of double standards in public office.
“We cannot continue to deceive our people. Leadership is about telling the truth and leading by example. You cannot promise one thing in public and do another in private. That is not leadership, and that is not the change Nigeria needs”, Mr Obi said.
He maintained that genuine national rebirth would only be possible if entrenched wrongs were corrected, adding that governance must be guided by competence, discipline and a clear sense of purpose.
Mr Obi also underscored the need for fresh thinking in the nation’s political space, urging political actors to move away from recycled ideas that have failed to deliver sustainable development.
“We must come with new ideas,” he said, adding that “Nigeria’s problems are not mysterious; what has been lacking is the courage and competence to address them differently. We need a new approach that puts people first and focuses on production, not consumption.”
Calling for a broad based political collaboration, Mr Obi appealed to parties and stakeholders across ideological divides to work together in the national interest.
“This country is bigger than any party or individual. All parties must come together to change the present trend. What matters is not the platform, but the future of Nigeria and the wellbeing of its citizens”, he declared.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Mr Obi challenged aspirants seeking elective offices to ensure transparency in their credentials, warning that the era of falsified certificates was drawing to a close.
“Anyone contesting for any position in 2027 must come with genuine certificates. All the machinery is now in place to verify what is genuine and what is not. Integrity must start from the very foundation of leadership”, he stated.
Drawing lessons from international development models, Mr Obi cited Rwanda and Indonesia as examples of countries that rose from difficult beginnings to become thriving economies through disciplined leadership and sound policies.
“These countries were once behind us,” he noted, adding that “Today, they are moving ahead because they chose competent leadership, clear vision and policies that support local production and human capital development.”
He also criticised the economic policies of the present administration, particularly the continued importation of food items that can be produced locally, describing such practices as inimical to national development.
“You cannot grow an economy by killing local production. Importing food that we can produce in Nigeria destroys jobs, weakens our farmers and drains our foreign exchange. A serious country must produce what it consumes”, he argued.
The event featured renewed calls from ADC supporters for sustained engagement and mobilisation, as Mr Obi reiterated his belief that Nigeria remains redeemable if led with honesty, competence and a commitment to shared national progress.
In his remarks, the National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, expressed confidence in the emerging coalition, assuring Nigerians that the party would deliver good governance at all levels of administration if entrusted with power.
The gathering also witnessed the defection of several prominent politicians from different political parties across the South-East and beyond.
The motion endorsing the defection was moved by a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, and seconded by former economic adviser to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof. Osita Ogbu.
Goodwill messages from notable political figures, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Mrs. Aisha Yesufu, Chief Sam Egwu, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, Chief Achike Udenwa, Mr Onyema Ugochukwu and Senator Gilbert Nnaji among others, further underscored the growing momentum within the ADC.
-
Featured3 days agoFubara Redeploys Green As Commissioner For Justice
-
Sports16 hours agoAFCON ’25: Osimhen Not Worried By Yekini Comparison, Pressure
-
Business16 hours agoKALCCIMA PROMISES KALABARI ECONOMIC GROWTH, INAUGURATES NEW EXECUTIVES
-
Sports16 hours agoOgoni Nation Cup : Coach Praise Players In spite 2-0 Loss
-
Politics16 hours agoYou Have No Power To Drop Me, Ekiti PDP Candidate Tells INEC
-
Sports16 hours agoChelsea Set To Part Ways With Maresca?
-
Business16 hours agoNCDMB Begins Nigerian Content Research, Innovation and Technology Challenge
-
Sports16 hours agoRemo Stars set for Ikenne return
