The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Dr. Henry Ndukuba, has called on Anglican clergy across the country to encourage their members to actively participate in the 2027 general elections, including contesting elective positions under political parties of their choice.
Ndukuba made the call on Thursday while addressing participants of the Abuja Ecclesiastical Province All Clergy Conference holding in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The conference, which commenced on June 10, is expected to end on June 13 with the theme ‘Building Bridges Not Walls: A call to fostering unity among clegy ‘.
Speaking virtually during the opening ceremony, the Primate urged the clergy to mobilise church members for greater involvement in the democratic process while maintaining the political neutrality expected of ministers of the gospel.
He said church members belong to different political parties and should be encouraged to participate in politics, including seeking elective offices, in order to contribute positively to national development.
The Primate, however, cautioned clerics against using the pulpit to advance the interests of any political party or candidate, stressing that clergy are spiritual fathers to all irrespective of political affiliation.
“Do not use the church to campaign for any candidate or political party. Support all and be there for all,” he said.
Beyond politics, Ndukuba charged the clergy to remain grateful to God regardless of the challenges confronting them, urging them to remain united in worship and prayer, maintain strong friendships and relationships among themselves, tolerate one another and work together for the growth of the church.
The Primate further encouraged the participants to cultivate a lifelong learning culture, stressing the need for continuous personal and ministerial development.
Representing the Primate physically at the conference venue, the Bishop of Kubwa Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Timothy Yahaya Akamisoko, commended the clergy for attending the conference despite the prevailing socio-economic challenges facing the country.
Akamisoko urged the participants to remain steadfast in prayer for the Church and the nation, noting that God’s intervention remains crucial in addressing the country’s challenges.
The annual conference brought together Anglican clergy from across the Abuja Ecclesiastical Province for spiritual renewal, fellowship and discussions on issues affecting the Church and society.
Also speaking, the chairman of the conference, Bishop Markus Dogo, Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Kafanchan, noted that the gathering calls for intentional tearing down of walls of suspicion, unhealthy competition, pride and division that often hinders common witnesses.
He called on all the clergy to always walk in humility.
By Musa Luka Musa
