The General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William F. Kumuyi, has called on Christians to become more actively involved in politics, stating that they have no right to complain about national policies if they remain absent from the political process.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Kumuyi made these remarks ahead of his ministry’s annual retreat, ‘Power for Present Possession,’ and the ‘Global Crusade with Kumuyi’ set to begin today at the ministry’s campground in Ogun State. He expressed concern over the lack of Christian involvement in active politics, particularly in shaping the direction of the country.
“If Christians do not take part in politics, then the direction of the country will be decided by those who are in power and may not have the nation’s best interests at heart,” Kumuyi stated. “It means that this side alone, without any Christian voice, will determine the country’s future. And the Christians have no right to complain if they are not available to make things better,” he said.
A Call for National Responsibility
Pastor Kumuyi’s comments come at a time when many Nigerians are concerned about the state of leadership and governance in the country. From local government to federal levels, the issue of political participation, or the lack thereof, has been a topic of public debate. Kumuyi’s remarks serve as a challenge to Christians, particularly those in leadership positions within churches, to take responsibility and ensure their voices are heard in the national conversation.
He highlighted the importance of Christians being present in all spheres of governance, emphasizing that elected leaders have a responsibility to serve the people and address the needs of citizens. “We all see the condition and what is going on. Our leaders are elected, whether at the local government level, state level, or federal government level,” Kumuyi remarked. He further encouraged those in power to consider the plights of citizens and work towards bringing about the true dividends of democracy.
The statement has sparked conversation among church leaders, political analysts, and Nigerians who believe that the Christian community, given its large population, holds significant influence in national affairs. By engaging in politics, Kumuyi argued, Christians can ensure that the values they hold dear are reflected in the policies that govern the country.
Background: A Historical View on Christian Engagement in Nigerian Politics
Historically, Nigeria’s political landscape has been a mixture of religious, ethnic, and regional influences. Christianity, alongside Islam, has played an important role in shaping the cultural and moral framework of the nation. However, many Christian leaders have been hesitant to endorse direct political involvement, preferring to maintain a level of separation between religion and politics. This is often rooted in concerns about the potential for corruption and the misuse of religious influence for political gain.
Nevertheless, some Christian leaders, like Pastor Kumuyi, have long advocated for greater involvement in the political process, believing that it is essential for Christians to influence the laws and decisions that affect the daily lives of Nigerians.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in attitudes, with more Christian leaders urging their followers to engage in politics. This change is in response to the growing need for responsible governance and the desire to address issues such as corruption, security, and social inequality that have plagued the nation.
The call for greater Christian participation in politics also aligns with the broader call for civic responsibility, where religious groups are being encouraged to play an active role in nation-building. With this in mind, Kumuyi’s statement underscores the urgency of Christians stepping forward and contributing to the political process.
A Wider National Debate on Political Engagement
Kumuyi’s statement is part of a larger national conversation about the role of religion in politics. Some critics argue that religious groups, including Christians, have been too passive in terms of direct political action, leaving political decisions in the hands of secular or less ethically-minded leaders. Others caution against the dangers of mixing religion too closely with politics, citing concerns that it could lead to manipulation or division along religious lines.
However, Kumuyi insists that Christians cannot afford to stay on the sidelines. In his view, if they continue to avoid politics, the future of Nigeria could be decided by those who do not share Christian values or principles. This, he believes, would lead to policies that may not reflect the morals and ethical standards upheld by the Christian community.
“Christians must be ready to serve, to speak, and to take action, not only in church but also in the public sphere,” Kumuyi emphasized. “The time for passive involvement has passed. We are called to engage and build the nation,” he added.
