Bishop David Oyedepo has urged Christians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and use their votes to determine who governs Nigeria, amid growing opposition from some Christian groups over President Bola Tinubu’s Muslim Muslim ticket with Vice President Kashim Shettima of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as his running mate for the 2027 election.
The founder and General Overseer of Living Faith Church made the call during a Sunday sermon titled “Breaking the Curses of Life” at Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State.
Oyedepo said Christians are not outsiders in national affairs and have a civic responsibility to participate in elections and choose their leaders.
“We are not passers-by in our nations. We are bona fide citizens of the nation, and we have a right to participate in who governs us,” he said.
The cleric said his church, with its large membership, has the strength to influence Nigeria’s political direction and encouraged members to prepare for the 2027 general elections by getting their PVCs.
His comments come after renewed debate over President Bola Tinubu’s decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima, a Muslim and member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as his running mate.
Critics of the Muslim Muslim ticket have argued that it does not reflect Nigeria’s religious diversity and have raised concerns over the position of Christians in national leadership. Some Christian leaders have also linked the debate to wider concerns about insecurity, including attacks by extremist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, which have targeted communities across parts of Nigeria.
Nigeria remains a secular state under its constitution, with no official religion and guarantees for freedom of worship. However, religion continues to influence political debates, especially around elections and representation.
Oyedepo’s remarks have added to the ongoing national conversation over the role of faith, citizenship, and political participation ahead of the 2027 elections.
