The Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, has urged politicians to conduct issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that politics should not be treated as a do-or-die affair.
Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja during the Annual Conference of Chancellors, Registrars and Legal Officers (ACRLOC) of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Ndukuba appealed to political actors to shun violence and inflammatory rhetoric as campaigns officially commence on August 19.
He also advised Nigerian youths not to allow themselves to be used as political thugs in exchange for money or drugs, noting that politicians often shield their own children from such dangerous activities.
“I want to encourage our young people never to serve as thugs for any politician. None of these politicians will send their own children—who are comfortably studying in Europe, America and the UK—to carry out violence. What they cannot ask their own children to do, they must not pay you to do,” he said.
The Anglican Primate described the 2027 elections as a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to remain transparent, impartial and committed to protecting the will of the electorate.
According to him, poverty and hunger have contributed to widespread vote-buying and electoral violence, making it imperative for Nigerians to remain vigilant and participate responsibly in the democratic process.
“This year and the next will be pivotal in deciding what this nation becomes. Let citizens arise and do the needful. Poverty and hunger have made the hearts and souls of our people easily purchasable, leading to widespread vote-buying and violence,” he said.
Ndukuba also expressed optimism over the planned introduction of state policing, saying it would strengthen local security and help ensure peaceful and credible elections.
He encouraged Christians to reject political apathy by registering with political parties and participating actively in governance, stressing that politics influences every aspect of national life.
The cleric further criticised the culture of godfatherism and money politics, urging political parties to strengthen internal democracy and create opportunities for women and young people to aspire to leadership positions.
“If there is no justice in the choice of party leaders internally, there is no way we can suddenly wake up and have a credible general election. Political parties must actively include women and youth because the future belongs to them,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairperson of the conference and Registrar, Mrs Kehinde Ajoni, urged church legal officers to uphold integrity and ensure legal compliance in the administration of the Church, stressing that honesty and accountability must remain paramount in resolving disputes and managing internal affairs.
