By Modupe Bankole, Ibadan
The fiery cleric and chieftain of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) , Pastor Femi Emmanuel, delivered a rousing speech of call to action for the Nigerian Church and the broader society, With the theme: “Politics and Church Today”.
The revered preacher, a former Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, and National Director of PFN’s Directorate of Politics and Governance, called on Christians across Nigeria to move beyond the confines of prayer and moral commentary into the arena of civic and political engagement.
Addressing a gathering of journalists,some church leaders, and civic stakeholders, at
a reflective press conference held at the headquarters of Livingspring Chapel International, Ibadan, Pastor Emmanuel called for a national rebirth.
The charismatic cleric lamented what he described as the Church’s longstanding detachment from governance issues. “We cannot merely stand by as spectators, hoping for change while the same cycle of leadership failures repeats itself,” he said,
“It is time for the Church to recognise its civic responsibility ; to educate, mobilise, and empower its members to actively shape the future of Nigeria.”
He stressed that the Church, by virtue of its moral authority and large following, holds the power to enlighten Nigerians about their democratic rights and duties. He urged churches nationwide to integrate civic education into their ministries, especially at the grassroots level.
“Our people must vote based on character, competence, and vision, not ethnicity, religion, or money,” he noted.
He further advocated for churches to raise and support credible, God-fearing, and patriotic individuals from their congregations to contest elections, rather than recycling failed politicians.
On the national stage, Emmanuel emphasised the call for Nigeria’s political restructuring, aligning himself with the stance of The Patriots, a distinguished group of elder statesmen led by former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku.
According to him, the current unitary system has stifled Nigeria’s growth, and without restructuring, future elections including the upcoming 2027 polls , that will amount to nothing but distractions.
“Nigeria’s diversity demands true federalism,” he said, explaining that regional autonomy would reduce pressure on the central government, foster healthy competition, drive local development, and strengthen national unity through fairness and inclusion.
While calling for Church involvement in politics, Pastor Emmanuel was quick to caution against the politicisation of the pulpit. He maintained that spiritual spaces must remain sacred and not be turned into campaign venues. Instead, he suggested that churches create neutral platforms for civic dialogue, candidate debates, and political accountability sessions, without endorsing any party or candidate. “We must engage without compromising our spiritual mission,” he said. “We are the salt of the earth, and salt cannot make a difference if it sits aloof on the shelf.”
With Nigeria at a pivotal moment in its democratic journey, the Pastor’s message was both a birthday reflection and a patriotic charge.
He called on churches, civil society, and patriotic Nigerians to rise and shape a nation that mirrors the dreams and aspirations of its people. “Transformation will not happen by chance. It will require bold participation and a willingness to confront the status quo,” he concluded, adding that “it is time for the Church to invade Politics”.
The event, which blended personal celebration with national discourse, served as a reminder that faith and governance can, and must intersect meaningfully to deliver the Nigeria of our dreams.
