Ahead of the 2027 general election, Christian leaders from across the 19 northern states of the federation have called for full participation in the electoral processes, to occupy more leadership positions.

The leaders, under the aegis of the Christian Northern Nigeria Political Forum, gave the charge in the Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State on Sunday.

The event was the state’s first conference, tagged “Christian participation in politics: A panacea for the empowerment of women and youth in Northern Nigeria.”

Speaking at the event, the National President of the association, Barau Mohammed, represented by the Executive Secretary, Iliya Ishaya, stressed the need for Christians to not only vote during elections but also seek elective positions.

He said, “What we are saying is that Christians in Northern Nigeria should develop an interest in politics and governance.

“We are not discriminating against other religions, because we are all Nigerians with a common purpose to move the nation forward to greater heights.

“However, we have observed that most Christians in the North are mostly not bothered about the electioneering processes, and that is what we are trying to address.

“They should develop interest in it, and elect good leaders of their choice to positions of authority.”

The CNNPF National President praised Nasarawa State Coordinator, Promise Ezekiel, and the executive council for educating Christians on political awareness and assured the group’s commitment to dispelling misconceptions about politics among Northern Christians.

A popular businessman in the Nasarawa North Senatorial District of the state, Tony Bala-Shammah, called on Christians, especially the women and youth, to take politics very seriously.

He urged them to vote only for credible candidates, irrespective of their religious or ethnic backgrounds during the forthcoming 2027 elections.

He described the conference as timely and essential for the promotion of good governance, adding that citizen participation in electoral processes remained a sure way to get politicians to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

Ezekiel commended leaders of the association from the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Taraba, and Katsina states, among other dignitaries, for attending the conference.

He added, “I want to use this opportunity to urge Christians in Nasarawa State and the entire 19 northern states to be serious in their level of participation in politics and governance.

“The CNNPF is a non-governmental, non-denominational and non-profit faith-based organisation.

“We aim to support credible candidates who will be able to contribute positively to the growth and development of our dear state and country.”

https://punchng.com/northern-christian-leaders-push-for-electoral-power-in-2027/