2027 Polls: Rivers PFN Calls For Stronger Christian Political Engagement

The Rivers State chapter of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has called for stronger Christian political engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections, as part of efforts to strengthen Christian participation in the country’s democratic process.
The State Chairman of the Fellowship, Rev (Dr) Minaibi Dagogo Jack, made the call during a media briefing in Port Harcourt, where he emphasised that the group would critically assess political parties and candidates before guiding its members on voting decisions.
According to him, the PFN intends to engage political actors directly and take a collective position on candidates deemed to represent good governance and moral leadership.
“We will critically look at the candidates, have time to discuss with them, and we shall decide as leaders on who to direct our members to vote for,” he said.
Rev. Jack stressed that the Christian community must become more actively involved in politics to ensure the emergence of what he described as righteous and accountable governance in Nigeria.
He argued that continued political apathy among Christians has allowed what he termed “bad leadership” to dominate the country’s political space.
June 12 Democracy Day Criticism
Commenting on the recent June 12 Democracy Day celebration, the PFN chairman said the occasion has lost its meaning for many Nigerians due to worsening insecurity and governance challenges.
He said June 12, which symbolizes political freedom and democratic struggle, no longer reflects the realities on the ground.
“June 12 ordinarily should represent political freedom, freedom for the oppressed, and freedom for Nigerians as a people. But from a close look at political activities, particularly in Rivers State, the essence of June 12 has been defeated,” he said.
He also decried what he described as the collapse of internal democracy within political parties, alleging increasing interference and manipulation of opposition party structures.
“We are in a situation where internal democracy is no longer practised… a situation where opposition political parties will produce two, three, four candidates representing one party. This is not democracy; it is confusion,” he added.
Rev. Jack further disclosed that the PFN had concluded a three-day seminar aimed at sensitizsing youths against electoral violence and redirecting them toward productive engagement in business and nation-building.
He said the programme also focused on Nigeria’s political climate and the role of the church in promoting peaceful elections.
He also commended security agencies for recent rescue operations involving abducted children, while urging the federal government to improve the welfare and equipment of security operatives, including the adoption of modern surveillance tools such as drones.
He called for strong legal frameworks and oversight mechanisms to ensure state police institutions remain professional and independent of political interference.
“State police is good but must come with proper legislation so that governors will not take advantage of it,” he said.
He also appealed to the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward the rescue of abducted school children and other victims held by criminal groups, stressing that security remains central to democratic stability in Nigeria.