The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, Most Rev. Dr Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, has warned Christians that continued silence and lack of participation in politics could worsen their marginalisation in the state.
Yohanna, who is also the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, gave the warning while speaking with journalists in Minna, urging Christians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), engage actively in politics and vote for candidates of their choice ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said politics affects the lives of citizens and should not be left to a particular group of people, calling on Christians to participate in the political process.
“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 disparities in political appointments and selections, as well as insecurity challenges, stressing that Christians must become active stakeholders in governance.
“If Christians do not get involved in politics, politics may soon erase our rights to be Christians,” he warned.
Yohanna advised Christians to begin consultations and prepare to contest elective positions or take part in electioneering activities, adding that refusing to vote should not be regarded as a form of protest.
According to him, citizens who fail to vote have limited grounds to complain about the government that emerges from the electoral process.
“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 stated.
He disclosed that the Christian community in Niger State had established five blocs covering the 25 local government areas, with coordinators organising meetings and seminars to sensitise members on political developments and the importance of participation.
The cleric also encouraged eligible Christians to obtain their PVCs, noting that mobilisation efforts were ongoing through churches, meetings and other 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 added.
Meanwhile, a retired civil servant and former Chairman of the Niger State Local Government Service Commission, 87-year-old Peterson Kaura, urged Christian youths to discard the belief that politics is inherently dirty.
Kaura argued that politics is only perceived as dirty because of the actions of some individuals involved, urging Christians to participate and bring positive values into governance.
“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,” he said.
He challenged Christian youths to contest elections from ward to state and federal levels, saying their involvement would help promote honesty, transparency and effective leadership.
Kaura also called on political leaders to govern in the interest of all citizens, regardless of their voting choices.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.