2027: PFN chairman challenges Christians to take politics seriously
NIGER STATE, Nigeria — Pastor PeteRock Sadiq, Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria’s Niger State chapter, is urging Christians to engage actively in the political arena as the nation approaches the 2027 general elections. During the 14th anniversary celebration of House on the Rock in Minna, part of the church’s Quantum Leap Conference 2026, Sadiq emphasized the necessity for the Church to move beyond political indifference.
Sadiq called on congregants to pair their prayers with civic duties, including obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), verifying their voter information, and participating in elections. “We are not a political party, but we are a moral force, and a moral force cannot be politically indifferent,” he stated. He cautioned that individuals who fail to secure their PVCs forfeit their ability to influence governance.
The PFN chairman addressed the issue of vote-buying, pointing out that those who trade their votes for immediate rewards risk compromising their future. “A vote sold is a future mortgaged,” he asserted. “The bag of rice finishes in weeks; the bad government it purchased remains for years.”
Sadiq encouraged voters to evaluate candidates based on their integrity, competence, track record, respect for human life, and commitment to justice and development. “The Church will not choose your candidate for you, but it will insist on the standard,” he added.
Highlighting the pressing issue of insecurity, Sadiq called for effective, funded security policies designed to protect rural communities, educational institutions, and places of worship. “The protection of lives and property is the first duty of government, and Niger State must not be found wanting,” he stated.
Additionally, he stressed the importance of equitable political representation, advocating for the inclusion of Christians in leadership roles and appointments. He clarified, “This is not a call to rivalry; it is a call to fairness.”
Pastor Lawrence Isah, the Coordinator on Christian Affairs for Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, echoed these sentiments, urging Christians to become more politically organized and actively participate in the All Progressives Congress (APC). He emphasized the need for Christian politicians to build grassroots networks and engage with community leaders.
Isah announced plans for a coalition of Christian politicians within the APC in Niger State, which will include a rally aimed at reaching all 25 local government areas. He encouraged participants to set aside denominational differences and unite for political action.
“Forget about your denominations. Come and participate,” Isah urged, acknowledging that inadequate participation and weak political networks had hindered the influence of some Christian politicians.
Looking ahead, Sadiq revealed that the PFN would introduce a Citizens’ Governance Charter to political candidates before the next elections, demanding commitment to key issues such as security, education, healthcare, employment, youth empowerment, poverty reduction, infrastructure, agriculture, and religious freedom. “Their answers, not their posters, should guide our votes,” he concluded.
