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
Politics
Makinde Renames Polytechnic After Late Ex-Gov

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has renamed The Polytechnic, Ibadan as Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan, in honour of a late former governor of the State, Dr Omololu Olunloyo.
Dr Olunloyo, who died on April 6, 2025, was the pioneer Principal of the Polytechnic, Ibadan, while he also served as Governor of Oyo State between October 1 and December 31, 1983.
Governor Makinde made the announcement at the state interdenominational funeral service held yesterday in honour of the late former governor at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Liberty Road, Ibadan.
Governor Makinde said Dr Olunloyo lived an eventful life, adding that his attainment and personality could not be summarised in one sentence.
“He was not a man we could summarise in one sentence. He was a scholar, a statesman, a technocrat, a lover of culture and, above all, a man of deep conviction.
“While giving the exhortation, I was listening to Baba Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu and he said in 1983, Baba became Governor of Oyo State. Though his time in office was brief, his election victory over a popular incumbent remains a powerful testament to the trust people gave him.
“I talked about preserving and digitising his library yesterday [Wednesday] as a mark of honour to Baba Olunloyo.
“Today, we will be giving Baba another honour to immortalise him. He was the first Principal of The Polytechnic, Ibadan; that institution will now be named Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, Ibadan.”
Earlier in his sermon, a retired Methodist Archbishop of Ilesa and Ibadan, Ayo Ladigbolu, described the late Olunloyo as a role model with intellectual inspiration and unassailable integrity.
The cleric said the deceased also demonstrated leadership in most superior quality during his lifetime.
In attendance were the state Deputy Governor, Chief Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; wife of a former Military Governor of the old Oyo State, Chief (Mrs) Dupe Jemibewon; wife of a former Governor of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja; former Deputy Governor and PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; and former Deputy Governor, Hazeem Gbolarumi.
Others were the member representing Ibadan North-East/South-East Federal Constituency, Hon Abass Adigun Agboworin; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Oyo State Exco members; Chairman of Oyo State Elders’ Council, Dr Saka Balogun; Chairman of All Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon Sikiru Sanda; President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Adeniyi Ajewole; religious leaders and family members, among other dignitaries.
Politics
10 NWC Members Oppose Damagum Over National Secretary’s Reinstatement
Ten members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC) have countered the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, on the reinstatement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary.
The dissenting members, led by the Deputy National Chairman ( South), Taofeek Arapaja, in a joint statement, said no organ of the opposition party could overturn the decision of the 99th meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC).
The dissenting NWC members include Arapaja; Setonji Koshoedo, Deputy National Secretary; Okechukwu Obiechina-Daniel, National Auditor; Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary; Ologunagba; Woyengikuro Daniel, National Financial Secretary and Ahmed Yayari Mohammed, National Treasurer.
Others are Chief Ali Odefa, National Vice Chairman (South East); Emmanuel Ogidi, Caretaker Committee Chairman (South South); Mrs. Amina Darasimi D. Bryhm, National Woman Leader and Ajisafe Kamoru Toyese, National Vice Chairman (South West).
The group also insisted that contrary to the position of the acting National Chairman, the 100th NEC meeting of the party would be held on June 30 as earlier scheduled.
The statement read: “The attention of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to a press briefing by the acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum, today Wednesday, June 25, wherein he attempted to overturn the resolution of the 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting which scheduled the 100th NEC meeting for Monday, June 30.
“The acting National Chairman in the said press briefing also reportedly announced that Senator Samuel Anyanwu has been asked to resume as National Secretary of the party contrary to the resolution of the 99th NEC meeting, which referred all matters relating to the office of the National Secretary to the 100th NEC meeting.
“The pronouncements by the acting National Chairman have no foundation as no organ of the party (including the NWC), individual or group has the power to cancel, overrule, veto or vary the resolution of the National Executive Committee (NEC) under the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).
“For the avoidance of doubt, the NEC is the highest decision-making organ of the party, second only to the National Convention. By virtue of Section 31 (3) of the PDP Constitution, the resolution of the NEC to hold its 100th meeting on Monday June 30, is binding on all organs, officers, chapters and members of the party and no organ, group or individual can vary or veto this resolution of NEC.
“Furthermore, the claim by Damagum that Sen Anyanwu has been asked to resume office as the National Secretary of the party is, therefore, misleading being contrary to the resolution of NEC.
“In the light of the foregoing, the 100th NEC meeting as scheduled for Monday, June 30, has not been canceled or postponed.”
Politics
Presidency Slams El-Rufai Over Tinubu Criticism …Says He Suffers From Small Man Syndrome
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has fired back at former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, following the latter’s scathing criticism of President Tinubu’s administration and his 2027 re-election prospects.
In an interview on live television, Mallam El-Rufai said it would take a “miracle” for President Tinubu to be re-elected in 2027, citing an internal poll that purportedly shows a 91 percent disapproval rating for the president across key regions in the country, including the South-East and the North. He also claimed that President Tinubu’s disapproval rating in Lagos stood at 78 percent.
Reacting on Wednesday via a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mr Onanuga took a swipe at the ex-governor, quoting a harsh assessment of Mallam El-Rufai’s character from former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s memoir, My Watch.
“Nasir’s penchant for reputation savaging is almost pathological,” Mr Onanuga wrote, citing Chief Obasanjo’s words. “Why does he do it? Very early in my interaction with him, I appreciated his talent. At the same time, I recognised his weaknesses; the worst being his inability to be loyal to anybody or any issue consistently for long, but only to Nasir El-Rufai.”
The presidential adviser emphasised Chief Obasanjo’s remarks that Mallam El-Rufai often tries to elevate himself by diminishing others. “He lied brazenly, which he did to me, against his colleagues and so-called friends,” Mr Onanuga continued, quoting the former President. “I have heard of how he ruthlessly savaged the reputation of his uncle, a man who, in an African setting, was like a foster father to him.”
Chief Obasanjo, who appointed Mallam El-Rufai as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory between 2003 and 2007, did not mince words in the memoir, describing Mallam El-Rufai as suffering from “small man syndrome.”
Mr Onanuga’s post is seen as a direct rebuttal to Mallam El-Rufai’s recent criticism and growing opposition role. The former governor is reportedly playing a central role in forming a new coalition to challenge President Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
In March 2025, El-Rufai officially dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), intensifying speculations about his 2027 political ambitions.
As the political rift deepens, Mallam El-Rufai remains one of the most vocal critics of the Tinubu administration, while Mr Onanuga and other presidential allies continue to push back against what they describe as “reckless” opposition rhetoric.