Christian leaders, youth advocates and civil society groups have called for increased voter participation and ethical engagement in Nigeria’s democratic process at the Christian Citizenship Summit held in Umuahia, Abia State.
The two-day summit, which commenced on February 6, 2026, at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, was organised by Christian Citizenship International in partnership with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Abia State chapter, with support from the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters. The event focused on tackling voter apathy, electoral malpractice and the role of faith communities in strengthening democracy.
Representing the Abia State Government, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Affairs, Chief Acho Obioma, who spoke on behalf of the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, said many Nigerians had become disillusioned with the electoral process due to past experiences of rigging, intimidation and disputed results. He described voter apathy as a reaction to systemic failures rather than a lack of civic responsibility.
Obioma said the state government was working to rebuild public trust in governance through ongoing reforms under Governor Alex Otti. He urged religious leaders to mobilise their congregations to participate actively in elections and civic activities, noting the significant influence of the clergy on public opinion.
Delivering a lecture on youth participation, Apostle David Onuoha identified economic hardship, insecurity and corruption as major factors weakening Nigeria’s democracy. He called on young people to shift from political disengagement to active involvement, encouraging Christian youths to reject corruption and contribute to national renewal.
From a legal standpoint, the Archbishop of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Umuahia Archdiocese, Most Rev. Chibuzo Raphael Opoko, emphasised the importance of democratic standards and electoral integrity. Citing provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act and relevant international conventions, he said electoral malpractice undermines popular sovereignty. While acknowledging technological advancements such as biometric voter accreditation, he stressed that credible elections depend on integrity, impartial institutions and effective enforcement of the law.
Addressing the theological basis for civic engagement, Pastor Emmanuel Ihim, Esq., described voting as both a moral and spiritual responsibility. He urged Christians to assess candidates based on character and competence, and to remain engaged in governance beyond election periods by holding leaders accountable.
At the end of the summit, participants issued a communiqué reaffirming the Church’s commitment to peaceful and transparent elections. The communiqué rejected vote-buying, bribery and coercion, called for increased youth participation, and urged government institutions, the media and civil society to strengthen accountability and electoral integrity.
Other speakers, including Archbishop Chikezie Elekwa, immediate past chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in Abia State; CAN Abia Chairman, Ojo Ojo Uduma; and Bishop U.U. Nmeregini of the Methodist Diocese of Ndoro, commended the initiative and called for unity, prayer and sustained civic engagement.
Also speaking, Reverend Dr. Blessed Uchechukwu Amalambu, State Public Relations Officer of PFN and State Treasurer of CAN, said meaningful political change would be achieved through informed voting, civic education and grassroots mobilisation rather than violence.
The organisers said the summit forms part of a broader effort to promote ethical leadership, democratic participation and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.
