The Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, has called on Nigerian politicians to conduct issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that the polls should not be treated as a “do-or-die” contest.
Ndukuba made the call while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the 15th Conference of Chancellors, Registrars and Legal Officers (ACRLOC) of the Church of Nigeria, held at St. Matthias House, Gudu District, Abuja.
Describing politics as an integral part of national life, the Anglican Primate said every Nigerian has a responsibility to participate actively in the democratic process, stressing that governance and public administration directly affect the lives of citizens.
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He urged Christians across the country to register with political parties, obtain their voter cards and participate in the selection of party candidates, while insisting that internal democracy within political parties remains essential for credible elections.
“If there is no justice in the choice of party leaders internally, there is no way we can suddenly wake up and have a credible election and a good election of our leaders,” he said.
The cleric expressed concern over what he described as the dominance of political godfathers and money politics, saying such practices discourage capable Nigerians from seeking public office.
According to him, political parties should create more opportunities for women and young people, noting that they represent the future of the country.
Ndukuba also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure credible elections.
He said the electoral commission and its officials must discharge their responsibilities impartially, while urging law enforcement agencies not to undermine Nigeria’s democratic process.
The Primate noted that the gradual implementation of state policing could strengthen election security and accountability at the sub-national level.
“As the campaign starts, we want to plead with our politicians, this is not a do-or-die affair. Let us play politics with a human face,” he said.
He urged politicians to focus their campaigns on policies and programmes rather than personal attacks, saying issue-based campaigns would enable citizens to hold elected leaders accountable for their promises.
“We want to encourage politicians to campaign on issues, so that when you are elected, we will know what to hold you responsible for,” he added.
Ndukuba also cautioned young Nigerians against allowing themselves to be used as political thugs during the election season.
Linking political violence to widespread poverty and unemployment, he lamented that many youths are recruited with money and drugs to perpetrate violence on behalf of politicians.
“What they will not send their own children to do, they are sending our young people to do,” he said, urging youths to reject violence and participate peacefully in the democratic process.
He advised young people to support candidates of their choice through lawful means without engaging in clashes or acts capable of disrupting public peace.
The Primate made the remarks as he welcomed participants to the 15th edition of the Anglican Chancellors, Registrars and Legal Officers Conference, describing the gathering as a platform for strengthening legal administration and fellowship within the Church of Nigeria.
He noted that the conference was the first since the GAFCON G26 gathering and reaffirmed the church’s commitment to equipping its legal officers for effective service.
In her welcome address, the Registrar of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Mrs. Kehinde F. Ajoni, said the conference marked another milestone in the church’s legal and administrative development.
She said the conference, which began in 2011, has continued to provide a forum for collaboration, knowledge sharing and strengthening governance across Anglican dioceses.
Ajoni said the theme of this year’s conference, “As For Me and My Household, We Will Serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15), challenges church legal officers to uphold integrity, accountability and unwavering loyalty to God in the discharge of their responsibilities.
She urged participants to reject deceptive legal practices, unnecessary delays and intimidation in resolving church matters, stressing that legal officers should serve as moral voices by promoting honesty, confession and restitution whenever disputes arise.
According to her, the conference would provide an opportunity for participants to renew their commitment to ethical leadership while reinforcing legal compliance and good governance within the Church of Nigeria.