A chieftain of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and Presiding Pastor of Livingspring Chapel International, Pastor Femi Emmanuel, on Wednesday called on the Church in Nigeria to move beyond prayers and moral commentary to active participation in the nation’s political development.
Speaking at a press conference to mark his 70th birthday held at the church headquarters in Ibadan, Pastor Emmanuel decried the continued detachment of the Church from governance matters.
The former Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly insisted that meaningful change in Nigeria requires direct civic and political engagement by Christians and other faith communities. Pastor Emmanuel urged churches across the country to incorporate civic education into their mandate, utilising their wide reach to educate Nigerians about their rights and responsibilities, party politics, and the importance of voting based on character and competence, rather than sentiment.
He emphasised that grassroots involvement is crucial to national transformation, urging the Church to nominate and support credible candidates who are “God-fearing and patriotic.”
A member of The Patriots, a non-partisan group of elder statesmen led by Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Pastor Emmanuel reiterated the call for restructuring Nigeria’s political system. According to him, the current unitary structure has hindered the nation’s progress.
He also advocated for a new political framework that reduces pressure on the central government, fosters competition among regions, and reflects true federalism. While advocating for greater involvement of churches in politics, Pastor Emmanuel also warned against politicising the pulpit.
The cleric stated that places of worship should not serve as campaign grounds for candidates or political parties.He encouraged churches to host open forums, candidate debates, and leadership accountability sessions — without compromising their spiritual mission.
Describing Nigeria as a nation at a crossroads, Pastor Emmanuel emphasised the need for collective action from all sectors of society.
