The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Nasarawa State, Rev. Dr. Sunday Emma, has urged Christians to actively participate in elections, saying refusing to vote amounts to a sin.
Speaking with journalists in Lafia on Tuesday, the cleric said Christians have both a biblical and civic responsibility to participate in the electoral process, stressing that positive change cannot happen if citizens refuse to play their part.
“Once an election is scheduled, you are expected to go out and exercise your franchise. Not exercising your franchise is even a sin, and that must be understood. When you vote and someone somewhere decides to abuse the process, you have played your part, and God will reward you,” Emma said.
He encouraged eligible Nigerians to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, urging those yet to register not to miss the opportunity.
According to him, many people have become discouraged by the belief that their votes do not count, but insisted that greater participation remains the only way to strengthen democracy.
“People should not give up by saying their votes will not count or that the winner has already been decided. Some of those perceptions may exist, but we can change the situation if we all participate,” he added.
Emma also called on Nigerians to protect the sanctity of their votes peacefully, warning that voter apathy only allows poor leadership to continue.
He expressed hope that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would conduct credible elections but lamented the growing trend of election outcomes being decided in court rather than at the polling units.
“We do not want a situation where elections are won in the courtroom instead of at the polling unit. Elections should be decided by the votes cast by the people,” he said.
The CAN chairman further urged members of the judiciary to remain impartial and uphold justice in the discharge of their duties.
Reflecting on his tenure, Emma disclosed that he would soon complete his single five-year term as CAN chairman in Nasarawa State, adding that promoting Christian unity and peaceful coexistence had remained his administration’s priority.
He also commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for fostering religious harmony in the state and praised the collaboration between CAN and the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), saying the partnership has helped sustain peace across Nasarawa.
