The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, has urged Christians to abandon political apathy and become more actively involved in the political process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Yohanna, who is also the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, gave the warning while addressing journalists in Minna, stressing that continued political disengagement by Christians could worsen their marginalisation in the state.
He called on eligible Christians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), participate in political activities and vote for candidates of their choice during the elections.
“Our lives begin to end when we become silent over things that matter. Politics is not about a particular person. I call on groups and every Christian to participate in politics,” he said.
The CAN chairman expressed concern over what he described as imbalances in political appointments and selections, as well as the security challenges affecting the state.
According to him, Christians must take an active role in politics rather than remain on the sidelines and complain about decisions made by those in government.
“If Christians do not get involved in politics, politics may soon erase our rights to be Christians,” Yohanna warned.
He encouraged Christians to begin consultations and prepare themselves to contest elective positions at various levels, while also taking part in electioneering activities.
Yohanna further dismissed the idea that refusing to vote amounts to political protest, arguing that non-participation only weakens citizens’ ability to hold elected officials accountable.
“No voting at all is not a protest. It is a surrender, which of course, is a defeatist mentality. If you do not vote, then you have lost the right to complain,” he said.
The cleric disclosed that the Christian community in Niger State had been organised into five blocs covering the state’s 25 local government areas.
He said coordinators within the blocs were holding meetings and seminars to educate Christians about political developments and encourage greater participation in the electoral process.
Yohanna added that mobilisation for PVC registration and political participation was already taking place through churches, meetings and other Christian gatherings across the state.
“INEC will not count on your prayers but only your votes. Prayer is good, but voting during elections and backed with prayer is better,” he said.
Also speaking, 87-year-old Peterson Kaura, a retired civil servant and former Chairman of the Niger State Local Government Service Commission, urged Christian youths to reject the belief that politics is inherently corrupt or dirty.
“Politics is not dirty; it is the operators or those involved that are making it look dirty. As Christians, go into it and make it clean that the favour I want from them. You can’t stay by the side and keep complaining every now and then,” Kaura said.
The former commission chairman encouraged Christian youths to begin their political careers from the ward level and gradually seek positions at the state and federal levels.
He maintained that greater participation would enable Christians to influence government policies and promote values such as honesty, transparency and effective public service.
Kaura also called on political leaders at all levels to govern inclusively and serve all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations or whether they supported them during elections.
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