Olusegun Adeyemo
The Presiding Pastor of Livingspring Chapel International, Pastor Femi Emmanuel, has emphasized the need for the Church to recognize its civic responsibility to educate, mobilize, and empower its members to actively engage in Nigeria’s political process.
Speaking in an interview with The Journal Nigeria correspondent in Ibadan, Pastor Emmanuel noted that the Church, with its large and influential following, possesses both the platform and the moral authority to lead civic education efforts.
“Our people must be enlightened about their rights and duties as citizens—how to participate in party politics responsibly, and the importance of voting based on character, competence, and vision rather than ethnicity, religion, or financial inducement,” he said.
Pastor Emmanuel stressed the importance of producing God-fearing and patriotic leaders from within Church congregations and local communities. These individuals, he argued, should contest elections and drive real change, rather than citizens continually voting for politicians who have repeatedly failed the nation.
“Grassroots political involvement is the key to transforming Nigeria,” he declared.
He advocated the Church’s active yet principled and non-partisan involvement in politics, warning against turning the pulpit into a campaign platform for individual candidates or political parties.
“Instead, the Church should facilitate civic and political education, host debates and forums for all candidates to present their visions, encourage members to join political parties and run for office, and demand accountability from leaders regardless of their affiliations,” he explained.
Pastor Emmanuel also emphasized the need for political actors to respect the sanctity of religious spaces and refrain from using churches as venues for political propaganda.
He concluded by asserting that Nigeria’s transformation would not happen by chance but through deliberate actions, bold participation, and a collective willingness to challenge the status quo.
“The future requires a citizenry that is active, informed, and courageous enough to demand and create change,” he said. “The Church has a unique and powerful role to play not only in praying for the nation but in helping shape its destiny.”