As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, Rhema Christian Church and Towers has urged churches across the country to remain politically neutral while continuing to speak out on issues of justice, truth and good governance.
The church said its responsibility should be to educate citizens, encourage responsible leadership and promote national development rather than endorse political candidates or influence people’s voting decisions.
Presiding Bishop and Pastor General of the church, Archbishop Taiwo Akinola, made the position known while addressing journalists at the Champion Peace Cathedral in Sango Ota, Ogun State.
Akinola stressed that remaining non partisan should not prevent the church from addressing the challenges facing the country or holding leaders accountable for their actions.
“The Church must remain non partisan but never indifferent to justice, truth and good governance. We must educate consciences rather than dictate political choices,” he said.
He added that the performance of political leaders should be judged by the improvements they bring to people’s lives rather than the promises they make during election campaigns.
The cleric also called for peaceful, transparent and credible elections in 2027, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, political parties, candidates and civil society organisations to work together to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
He warned against vote buying, voter intimidation, electoral violence, religious manipulation and the spread of misinformation, describing such practices as threats to credible elections.
Akinola further encouraged young people and older citizens to complete their voter registration and collect their Permanent Voter Cards where necessary, stressing the importance of active participation in the democratic process.
Beyond electoral matters, the bishop called on the government to address pressing social and economic challenges, including drug abuse, the rising cost of living, inadequate healthcare and youth unemployment.
He expressed particular concern about substance abuse among young Nigerians, warning that the country could not afford to neglect a generation whose abilities and creativity were essential to national progress.
“Nigeria must not abandon a generation whose creativity, strength and potential are indispensable to national development,” he said.
