Pastoral Visits To Political Leaders Not Endorsement – ECWA

The general secretary of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Rev Dr Ayuba Asheshe, has stated pastoral visits to those in leadership positions should not be interpreted as political endorsements.

He advised Nigerians, political and religious leaders to avoid politics of bitterness and division as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Asheshe stated this while speaking with newsmen at ECWA headquarters in Jos yesterday.
According to him, the church had not endorsed anyone, adding, “It is not the responsibility of any church denomination to endorse any candidate seeking political offices in the state or in the country at large.”

The cleric further said they are fathers to all irrespective of their political affiliations.
Rev Dr Asheshe described the current period as a difficult one for Nigeria, citing rising insecurity, economic hardship and what he termed “spiritual turbulence” affecting families, communities and places of worship.

“Our country, our community is going through trying moments. There is so much insecurity, so much economic hardship, so much spiritual turbulence,” he said.

Rev Dr Asheshe further called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to act as an impartial umpire in the 2027 general elections

“INEC must be a neutral umpire. People should live up to their responsibilities. Everybody has been given a position of trust. You must live according to that trust. Anything less than that, you are not fair to this country,” he said.

Speaking on governance and corruption, the clergy said Nigeria is richly blessed, hence should not be experiencing poverty.

He advised underperforming states to learn from states that are doing well. “There are certain states in Nigeria that are actually performing. Those states that are not performing should go and do some tutorials with those states that are actually performing,” he said.

The ECWA general secretary also called on Christian politicians to reflect Christ in public service and advised all candidates promoting division to desist.

“This is the only country we have, and we must be seen building it,” he stated.