2027: Anglican Primate Canvasses Issue-based Campaigns, Internal Democracy In Political Parties

Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, has charged political parties to uphold internal democracy.

He advised politicians to focus on issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking with journalists yesterday after the opening of the Church of Nigeria Chancellors, Registrars and Legal Officers Annual Conference in Abuja, Ndukuba said Nigeria was entering a critical political season that would shape its future.

He stressed that politics should not be viewed as a dirty venture but as a legitimate process through which society is governed, laws are made and public resources are managed.

“We want to encourage Nigerians to get involved in politics because politics affects every aspect of our lives. It is the means by which society is governed, and our collective future is determined,” he said.

Ndukuba called on Christians and other Nigerians to actively participate in the political process by registering with political parties, obtaining their permanent voter cards (PVCs) and taking part in the selection of credible leaders.

He, however, insisted that political parties must strengthen internal democracy, warning that credible general elections cannot emerge from flawed party primaries.

“If there is no justice in the choice of party leaders internally, there is no way we can suddenly wake up and have credible elections. Internal democracy must be strengthened,” he stated.

The Anglican Primate condemned the politics of godfatherism and money influence, saying they undermine democracy and deny competent Nigerians the opportunity to seek elective office.

He also urged political parties to create more opportunities for young people and women, describing them as critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s future.

According to him, the credibility of future elections depends largely on the impartial conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other security agencies.

“We want to demand that the INEC Chairman and his commissioners do the needful. The police and other law enforcement agencies should not undermine Nigeria’s electoral process,” he said.

Ndukuba also expressed optimism that the planned introduction of state policing would strengthen security and improve electoral management across the country.

With political activities gathering momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, the Primate appealed to politicians to conduct peaceful campaigns centred on policies and programmes rather than violence and personal attacks.

“As the campaigns begin, we want to plead with our politicians that politics should not be a do-or-die affair. Let us play politics with a human face and campaign on issues so that when leaders are elected, Nigerians will know what to hold them accountable for,” he said.

The cleric expressed concern over rising poverty, unemployment and hunger, warning that the economic hardship had made many young people vulnerable to vote-buying and political manipulation.

He urged youths to reject inducements from politicians and to refuse recruitment as political thugs.

“Never serve as a thug for any politician. Many of these politicians whose children are abroad will never send their own children to engage in violence, yet they recruit our young people and expose them to danger,” he said.

Ndukuba further warned against drug abuse among youths, describing it as a growing threat often exploited during election periods to foment violence.

He advised young Nigerians to participate peacefully in politics by supporting their preferred candidates without engaging in acts that could disrupt public peace.

“We should support those we believe in, but we must never fight or kill for any politician. Politics should unite us, not divide us,” he added.

The Primate expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its political challenges if citizens, political actors and institutions played their respective roles responsibly.

“This year and next year will be very important in deciding the future of our nation. By the grace of God, it shall be well with Nigeria,” he said.