Stop Endorsing Political Parties, Candidates, Oye Advises Clerics

Senior Pastor of The Transforming Church (TTC), Gwarinpa, Abuja, Rev. Sam Oye, has counselled Christian leaders, particularly pastors, against endorsing political parties and candidates from the pulpit.

He warned that the practice could create divisions among church members and expose religious leaders to public ridicule if politicians they support fail to meet the people’s expectations when elected.

Oye gave the advice at a press conference yesterday at the church premises to announce its annual Encounter programme.

He cited the recent defeat of the Republicans by the Democrats in the United States midterm elections, saying the experience underscored the dangers of religious leaders identifying with particular political interests.

He advised church leaders to remain neutral by giving all candidates and political parties equal opportunities to present their manifestos to congregations.

According to him, this would enable church members to make independent political choices without feeling pressured by their religious leaders.

The cleric said this year’s Encounter programme, scheduled to hold from 8pm today to 5am tomorrow at the church premises, would feature prayers, praise and cultural performances.

He said gospel artistes would lead participants in praise and worship, with performances reflecting Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage.

Oye assured participants of adequate security, saying the church had made arrangements with relevant security agencies and its personnel to protect attendees.

He added that 15 locations across the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring communities had been designated for free transportation to and from the venue.

Emergency arrangements had also been made to attend to participants who might require medical attention.

On the state of the nation, Oye said participants, including public and private sector leaders, would pray for Nigeria’s progress and for those in authority to govern with the fear of God.

He explained that genuine fear of God should reflect in accountability, integrity and responsibility, adding that any system that failed to hold leaders and citizens accountable was vulnerable to corruption.

The pastor argued that although Nigerians professed love for God, many lacked the fear of God, which he identified as one of the factors responsible for the country’s challenges.

On the 2027 general elections, he urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process and ensure that votes counted.

He also called for increased security presence at polling units to prevent electoral malpractice and urged security personnel and electoral officials to remain non-partisan.

Commenting on concerns about the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket of the Tinubu administration, Oye said the fears expressed by some Christians had not been reflected in government policies or lawmaking.

He noted that neither the Federal Government nor state governments had introduced measures denying Christians their freedom of worship.

He, however, argued that attacks and displacement of communities in Kaduna, Plateau and Benue states were driven more by economic interests than religious considerations.

According to him, the exploitation of mineral resources in affected communities suggests that economic interests are a major factor behind the violence.

On the performance of the Tinubu administration, Oye said he lacked the necessary parameters to give a comprehensive assessment.

He, however, acknowledged the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians, including rising food prices and transport fares, and urged the government to address them.

He added that ongoing road construction projects by federal and state governments could improve the movement of agricultural produce to urban centres and help ease food inflation.