Says nation needs restructuring, talks about 2027 polls distracting
A chieftain of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and Presiding Pastor of Livingspring Chapel International, Femi Emmanuel, yesterday, called on churches in Nigeria to move beyond prayers and moral commentary to active participation in the political development of the nation.
Emmanuel, who spoke during a media briefing to mark his 70th birthday held at the church headquarters in Ibadan, 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.
He urged churches across the country to embrace civic education as part of their mandate, using their wide reach to enlighten Nigerians about their rights and responsibilities, party politics, and the importance of voting based on character and competence, not sentiments.
Besides, he stressed that grassroots involvement is key to national transformation, urging churches to support credible candidates who are “God-fearing and patriotic.”
Emmanuel, a member of The Patriots, a non-partisan group of elder statesmen led by Chief Emeka Anyaoku, 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 a new political framework that reduces pressure on the central government, fosters competition among regions, and reflects true federalism.
Emmanuel, while advocating greater involvement of churches in politics, also warned against politicising the pulpit.
The cleric said that places of worship should not serve as campaign grounds for candidates or political parties, encouraging churches to host open forums, debate for candidates, and leadership accountability sessions — without compromising their spiritual mission.
Emmanuel, who described Nigeria as a nation at a crossroads, emphasised the need for collective action from all sectors of the society.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel, who is the National Director, Directorate of Politics and Governance, PFN, said Nigeria needs restructuring before the 2027 general elections.
He said that nothing would work in the country unless Nigeria is restructured, saying that previous elections did not solve the country’s problems.
Besides, he stated that restructuring would help the country in many ways.
