The Governor of Oyo State and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has called on Christians across Nigeria to actively participate in politics and the country’s transformation, warning that withdrawing from political engagement could hinder national development.
Makinde made the call at an event marking 50 years of service to God and humanity by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), where he was among those considered for recognition. He said the occasion provided an opportunity to encourage Christians to contribute more actively to the country’s political and governance processes.
Drawing lessons from biblical accounts, Makinde urged Christians not to avoid politics on the grounds that it was dirty or incompatible with their faith. Citing the example of David, who served under King Saul despite having been anointed to become king, he argued that Christians could participate in leadership and public service even in challenging circumstances.
The APM presidential candidate maintained that Nigeria’s most pressing challenge was not primarily religious but economic, identifying widespread poverty as a major problem confronting the country. He stressed the need to focus on addressing the hardship and other socio-economic difficulties affecting citizens rather than allowing religious differences to discourage collective action.
Makinde urged Christians to rise above reservations about political participation and contribute to what he described as the agenda to transform and reset Nigeria. His message aligned with the event’s theme, “Working Together in Faith,” which emphasised Christian unity and collective responsibility. In a goodwill message, he also prayed for continued unity among Christian denominations and for God’s blessings upon CAN and Nigeria.
