By Philomina Attah

The Youth Wing of the Christian Council of Nigeria (YOWICCN) has urged the church to rise to its prophetic responsibility and speak up on national issues ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The National Youth Leader of YOWICCN, Mr Emmanuel Eniade, made the call on Monday in Abuja at a news conference with the theme: “2027 and Beyond: The Church Must Speak Up.”

Eniade said that silence in the face of injustice, insecurity and discrimination was not neutrality but complicity.

He said the church must not become a political party, but must not abandon its prophetic responsibility to speak for truth and justice, citing Proverbs 14:34 and 31:8.

Eniade said the group was non-partisan and not speaking for any candidate or ethnic interest, but for the conscience of the nation.

He noted that legitimate questions around safety, electoral credibility and youth inclusion must be addressed before 2027.

“The Church must not become a political party, but neither should it abandon its prophetic responsibility.

“Salt that loses its usefulness cannot preserve, and light hidden under a basket cannot illuminate,” he said.

He noted that the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), established in 1929, had contributed to education, healthcare and humanitarian support.

Eniade listed insecurity, electoral integrity, hate speech, misinformation, youth disillusionment and declining public trust as concerns ahead of 2027.

According to him, no citizen should be denied opportunity to participate in public life because of insecurity, while vote buying, intimidation and electoral violence undermine the people’s mandate.

He called on government to protect lives and property without discrimination, and on INEC to ensure transparent, credible and inclusive processes.

On religious freedom, Eniade cited reports on the case of Liatu Samuel Dawa, also reported as Liyatu Samuel Dawa, a Christian woman from Borno reportedly sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment for sharing her faith.

He said reports indicated the adult woman she shared her faith with testified that her decision to embrace Christianity was voluntary.

He noted that the link to Section 210 of the Borno State Penal Code on deprivation of lawful custody was unclear.

“We urge appropriate scrutiny of the reported conviction and respect for her right to pursue any available appeal,” he said.

He called on churches to promote truth, justice and responsible citizenship without becoming platforms for partisan campaigning.

Eniade said the wing would continue its sensitisation campaign tagged “The Church Must Speak Up, The Church Must Vote,” to encourage Christians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate peacefully.

Mr Onyenze Virgines, Director Planning, Research and Strategy, clarified that “the church” means all Christians across denominations, including Anglican, Methodist and Presbyterian under CCN, and not the CAN alone.

“We are not endorsing any candidate. We are here to sensitise Nigerians to come out and participate in their civic responsibility.

“Everybody should be treated fairly irrespective of religion. Go out and vote according to your conscience, character and competence,” he said.

He said YOWICCN’s vision remains “Awaken, Arise, Advance” for a united, peaceful and transformed Nigeria.(NAN)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola