Former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, has urged Nigerian Catholics to take a more active role in the country’s political and electoral processes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to Bush Radio Academy, Fayemi made the call during the plenary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria at Our Lady and St. Kizito Pastoral Centre, Oke-Gada, Ede, Osun State.
Speaking on the theme, “Faith in Action: Empowering the Catholic Laity for Active Political Participation Ahead of the 2027 General Elections,” the former governor warned that Christians who withdraw from politics because they consider it a “dirty game” could unintentionally create room for individuals with questionable values to gain political power.
Fayemi argued that Christians had a responsibility to bring their values into public life and contribute to the promotion of justice, accountability, peace and the common good.
He stressed that political participation should not be limited to voting, but should also involve contesting elections, joining political parties, monitoring electoral activities, educating voters and demanding accountability from elected officials.
The former governor maintained that public office is too important to be left exclusively to individuals who may not be committed to ethical leadership. He warned that when people who genuinely believe in social justice and the common good stay away from politics, they risk allowing opportunists to take control of positions of authority.
Fayemi also advised Catholics and other voters to approach the 2027 elections without allowing ethnicity, religion, personal financial interests, political patronage or blind loyalty to political parties to influence their decisions.
He urged voters to carefully evaluate candidates and their political programmes based on issues such as respect for human dignity, justice, peace, security, development and the overall welfare of society.
The former governor encouraged eligible Catholics to register to vote, obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate in voter education, election monitoring and other activities aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Fayemi also called on the Catholic Church to make political education and leadership formation a priority, stressing that encouraging members to participate in politics would not be enough without adequately preparing them for the responsibilities of public service.
