The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has called on all eligible Christians to participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
The appeal was made in a statement issued by Rev. Yakubu Pam, Chairman of the northern CAN bloc. He urged churches, Christian organisations, and community leaders across the region to take the lead in encouraging voter registration among their members.
According to the statement, registering to vote is not only a civic responsibility but also a moral duty, especially at a time when Nigeria is facing major political and economic challenges. CAN stressed that real change can only happen when citizens—especially Christians—take active steps to influence leadership through the ballot box.
“The CVR is both timely and crucial. It is the first step toward obtaining a Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), which is the gateway to participating in the democratic process,” the statement said.
CAN is calling on churches and Christian leaders to go beyond preaching and take action by mobilising their congregations to register. The association encouraged pastors and church administrators to set up voter education teams in their local assemblies and work closely with communities to ensure that no eligible Christian is left out.
The statement said this mobilisation should also focus on youths, first-time voters, and those who have changed their location since the last election.
“Good governance does not happen by chance. It requires the deliberate involvement of the people. Sitting on the sidelines or refusing to register only allows the wrong individuals to take control of our national destiny,” Rev. Pam stated.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently announced the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration ahead of the 2027 elections. The exercise is aimed at registering new voters, updating records for those who have changed residence, and replacing lost or damaged PVCs.
CAN’s statement aligns with a growing call from civil society groups and political stakeholders urging Nigerians to take the CVR seriously. The low voter turnout witnessed during the 2023 general elections remains a concern for many observers, particularly among young and first-time voters.
With over 50 million Christians estimated to be living in Nigeria, CAN believes that if well-mobilised, the Christian community can be a major force for positive change in the coming elections.
“Democracy thrives when the voices of the people are heard. Every Christian has a role to play in shaping the future of Nigeria,” the statement added.
Rev. Pam described the 2027 general elections as a “defining moment” in the country’s democratic journey. He warned that if citizens fail to participate meaningfully, the opportunity to bring about meaningful change could be lost.
“We must see the 2027 elections not just as a political event, but as a responsibility to our children and future generations. A better Nigeria is possible, but only if we take part in building it,” he said.
The statement also advised Christians to avoid political apathy, stressing that staying silent or indifferent only strengthens the hands of bad actors.
“Those who do not vote should not complain when things go wrong. Voting is our voice, and it must be heard,” the CAN chairman added.
CAN’s message highlights the importance of faith-based civic engagement, especially in a country like Nigeria where religious organisations play a strong role in social life.
The association emphasised that being a Christian includes caring about the condition of the country, electing responsible leaders, and standing up for justice, peace, and good governance.
By encouraging churches to take up this task, CAN hopes to awaken a broader sense of political awareness among Christians across northern Nigeria and the FCT.
“Let every church become a centre for civic education. Let every pastor remind their members of their role not just in heaven, but also on earth,” Rev. Pam concluded.
With INEC expected to roll out further voter registration centres and possibly include online registration portals, the months ahead will be critical for mobilising eligible voters across all regions.
CAN’s early message is seen as a proactive step to avoid last-minute rushes and to increase voter participation in 2027.
