Ahead of the upcoming 2027 general elections, the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, Henry Ndukuba, has strongly advised citizens not to surrender their electoral power. Speaking in Abuja, the cleric dismissed notions that the outcome of future polls has already been predetermined by external forces, urging eligible members of the public to take active control of their civic responsibilities.
What did the Primate urge voters to do?
Primate Ndukuba charged Nigerians to secure their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), confirm their specific polling stations, and turn out en masse to cast their ballots. He cautioned that choosing to stay away from polling booths directly translates to handing over the authority of deciding national leadership to a select few. According to the cleric, claims that elections are rigged or decided beforehand are completely false.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 2026 Divine Commonwealth Conference (DIVCCON) held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, Ndukuba pointed out that widespread economic hardship and public dissatisfaction with governance should not be allowed to breed voter apathy. "Indeed, some may even tell you that the election has already been decided. That is a lie. Nobody has decided anything," he stated during interactions with journalists.
How should citizens handle the electoral process?
Beyond casting ballots, the Anglican leader encouraged the populace to remain vigilant by staying at their designated polling units to monitor the counting process until final results are officially declared. He warned that desperate politicians might attempt to manipulate the system as election dates draw closer, making citizen surveillance crucial.
Reflecting on the state of the nation, Ndukuba maintained that the ballot box remains the most viable tool for citizens to demand effective governance and positive transformation. He acknowledged that while reforms may take time, widespread withdrawal from political processes would only hinder progress. He also addressed the broader socio-economic difficulties confronting households across the nation, appealing to citizens of all backgrounds to maintain their resilience and faith.
Drawing inspiration from the 2026 DIVCCON theme, 'Pressing On', based on biblical scriptures from Philippians 3:12-14, the Primate noted that the annual gathering serves to spiritually renew bishops, clergy, and laity facing various physical and emotional hurdles. Concluding his address, he challenged political leaders to ensure that Nigeria's substantial wealth is judiciously managed to alleviate poverty, asserting that no family should experience hunger in a country so richly endowed with resources.