Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has identified widespread poverty as Nigeria’s biggest challenge, urging Christians across the country to get involved in politics rather than allow religious differences to keep them away from leadership and governance.
Makinde argued that Nigeria’s problems should not primarily be viewed through a religious lens, stressing that the hardship facing millions of citizens requires collective action regardless of faith.
The governor made the remarks on Saturday in Abuja after receiving a Christian Icon Award at the Christian Association of Nigeria’s (CAN) 50th anniversary celebration.
He cautioned Christians against avoiding politics because they consider it corrupt or believe they should not work with people whose religious beliefs differ from theirs.
According to Makinde, Christians can learn from biblical figures who accepted challenging responsibilities and worked under leaders whose beliefs or circumstances differed from their own.
“It is typical for us to say, ‘Politics is dirty. I don’t want to be yoked with unbelievers’, and things like that. But we must look at biblical examples,” he said.
Makinde Urges Christians to Participate in Politics
To support his argument, Makinde referenced David, who served in the palace of King Saul despite having been anointed to become king.
He said the biblical account should encourage Christians who believe they cannot serve under leaders from different religious backgrounds to reconsider their position.
The governor called on Christians nationwide to take an active role in shaping Nigeria’s future, insisting that meaningful national change would require their participation in politics and governance.
“I will use this opportunity to encourage our Christian brothers and sisters across the country to rise up and participate in the agenda to transform Nigeria and reset our country,” he said.
Makinde maintained that religious differences should not distract Nigerians from addressing the economic difficulties affecting households across the country.
“Our problem is not primarily a religious one. Our problem in this country is poverty — grinding poverty,” he said.
He added that the country must concentrate on the challenges confronting its citizens rather than allow religious divisions to dominate national discussions.
“At this stage, we must focus on addressing the issues currently confronting us. Those are the challenges we need to tackle,” he said.
Makinde, who is the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), made the remarks as he called for greater Christian participation in efforts to improve Nigeria’s political and economic conditions.
