2027: PFN chairman challenges Christians to take politics seriously

The Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, Niger State chapter, Pastor PeteRock Sadiq, has challenged Christians in the state to take active part in politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that the Church can no longer afford political indifference.

Sadiq spoke during the 14th anniversary of House on the Rock, Minna, held as part of the church’s Quantum Leap Conference 2026, urging Christians to match prayers with civic responsibility by collecting their Permanent Voter Cards, verifying their details and voting.

He stated, “We are not a political party, but we are a moral force and a moral force cannot be politically indifferent. A registered voter who fails to collect a PVC effectively loses the opportunity to influence leadership”..

The PFN chairman also warned against vote-buying, saying citizens who exchange their votes for temporary benefits ultimately mortgage their future.

“A vote sold is a future mortgaged. The bag of rice finishes in weeks; the bad government it purchased remains for years,” he said.

He urged voters to assess candidates on integrity, competence, capacity, track record, fear of God, respect for human life, and commitment to justice and development.

“The Church will not choose your candidate for you, but the Church will insist on the standard,” Sadiq said.

On insecurity, he demanded practical, funded and measurable security policies to protect rural communities, farming settlements, schools and worship centres, as well as safe corridors for farmers to return to their fields.

According to him, “The protection of lives and property is the first duty of government, and on this duty, Niger State must not be found wanting”.

Sadiq also advocated fairness in political representation, saying Christians should not be excluded from leadership, appointments or opportunities, just as no other religious community should suffer exclusion adding, “This is not a call to rivalry; it is a call to fairness”.

Representing Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, the Coordinator on Christian Affairs to the Governor, Pastor Lawrence Isah, urged Christians to become more politically organised and actively participate in the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Isah said Christians must stop expecting appointments without making the sacrifices required to participate actively in politics, urging Christian politicians to build strong grassroots networks and engage ward leaders, councillors and other party stakeholders.

He disclosed plans for a coalition of Christian politicians within the APC in Niger State, with a proposed rally expected to cover the state’s 25 local government areas, while urging politicians to set aside denominational differences and work together.

“Forget about your denominations. Come and participate,” Isa said, acknowledging that weak participation, inadequate funding and poor political networks had limited the influence of some Christian politicians.

Sadiq further announced that the PFN would present a Citizens’ Governance Charter to political actors ahead of 2027, demanding clear commitments on security, education, healthcare, employment and youth empowerment, poverty reduction, infrastructure, agriculture, religious freedom, accountability and transparency.

He added, “Their answers, not their posters, should guide our votes.”