2027: Church must speak up for justice, religious freedom, national unity – YOWICCN

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

As the country approaches the 2027 general elections, the Youth Wing of the Christian Council of Nigeria (YOWICCN) has called on Christian leaders and church institutions across the country to rise to their moral and prophetic responsibilities by speaking out against injustice, insecurity, religious discrimination and other challenges threatening Nigeria’s unity.

The National President of YOWICCN, Emmanuel Ayokunle Eniade, made the call on Monday at a world press conference held at the Christian Council of Nigeria National Headquarters, Abuja, under the theme, “2027 and Beyond: The Church Must Speak Up”.

Eniade maintained that the Church must not surrender its responsibility to speak truth to power, defend the vulnerable and promote justice, peace and human dignity, particularly at a critical period in the country’s democratic journey.

He, however, cautioned that the Church’s involvement in national affairs should not translate into partisan political engagement, stressing that religious institutions must remain independent while providing moral guidance and holding political leaders and public institutions accountable.

According to him, the Church must neither become a political party nor remain a passive spectator while the country grapples with insecurity, electoral malpractice, discrimination and violations of fundamental human rights.

He identified insecurity, political and religious hate speech, misinformation, youth disillusionment and declining public trust as major national concerns requiring urgent attention and collective action by government, religious institutions, civil society and other stakeholders.

On religious freedom and human rights, the YOWICCN president drew attention to the reported conviction of Liatu Samuel Dawa in Borno State, calling on the relevant judicial authorities to ensure transparent legal scrutiny, fair proceedings and respect for her right to pursue any available appeal.

He emphasised that freedom of conscience, religious liberty and equal protection under the law were essential to peaceful coexistence and national unity, regardless of citizens’ religious or ethnic backgrounds.

Eniade further urged government and relevant institutions to demonstrate greater commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, warning against developments capable of deepening religious divisions and undermining public confidence in the justice system.

On the 2027 elections, he called on the Church to promote peaceful political participation, electoral accountability and responsible citizenship, while encouraging its members and other Nigerians to reject violence, vote buying and divisive political rhetoric.

He urged young Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), participate actively in the electoral process and exercise their civic responsibilities peacefully and responsibly.

He also cautioned citizens against spreading unverified information, particularly through social media, urging them to verify information before sharing it and avoid promoting political and religious hostility.

Addressing the challenges confronting Nigerian youths, Eniade called on government, faith-based organisations, private institutions and development partners to increase investments in education, skills acquisition, employment generation and entrepreneurship.

He also advocated greater inclusion of young people in governance and national decision-making, noting that their energy, creativity and contributions were essential to building a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable Nigeria.

The YOWICCN president equally urged Christian leaders to use their pulpits and institutional influence to promote truth, justice, peace, accountability and mutual respect, rather than allowing church platforms to become instruments of partisan political campaigns.

He stressed that the Church’s responsibility extended beyond spiritual activities to include constructive engagement with society, advocacy for the oppressed, peacebuilding and the promotion of values that strengthen national cohesion.

Reaffirming the youth wing’s commitment to national transformation, Eniade highlighted its vision, “AWAKEN • ARISE • ADVANCE,” as a framework for mobilising young Christians towards responsible citizenship, religious tolerance, peacebuilding and national development.

He explained that the initiative was aimed at inspiring young Christians to become active contributors to societal transformation and advocates of justice, human dignity and peaceful coexistence.

Eniade maintained that the Church must speak up not out of hatred or political ambition, but out of love for Nigeria and concern for the welfare and future of its people.

“The Church cannot afford to be a spectator in Nigeria’s story,” he declared, urging Christians to raise their voices in defence of justice, religious freedom, peace and the dignity of every Nigerian.

He reiterated that as the country moves towards the 2027 general elections and beyond, the Church must remain a credible moral voice, promoting national unity, defending fundamental freedoms and encouraging leaders and citizens alike to embrace accountability, peaceful coexistence and responsible nation-building.