Need for Increased Voter Participation Stressed as Christian Citizenship Summit Ends in Umuahia

Christian leaders, youth advocates and civil society groups on Thursday called for increased voter participation and ethical engagement in Nigeria’s democratic process at the Christian Citizenship Summit held in Umuahia, Abia State.

The two-day summit, which started from February 6, 2026, at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, was organised by Christian Citizenship International in partnership with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Abia State chapter, with support from the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters.

The event focused on addressing voter apathy, electoral malpractice and the role of faith communities in strengthening democracy.

Representing the Abia State Government, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Affairs, Chief Acho Obioma, said many Nigerians had withdrawn from voting due to past experiences of rigging, intimidation and disputed election outcomes.

Obioma, who spoke on behalf of the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, described voter apathy as a reaction to systemic failures rather than a lack of civic responsibility.

He said the Abia State Government was working to rebuild public trust in governance, attributing recent improvements to reforms under Governor Alex Otti.

He urged religious leaders to encourage their congregations to participate actively in elections and civic processes, noting the influence of the clergy in shaping public attitudes.

A lecture on youth participation was delivered by Apostle David Onuoha, who highlighted economic hardship, insecurity and corruption as factors undermining Nigeria’s democracy.

He called on young people to move from political disengagement to active participation, urging Christian youths to reject corruption and contribute to national renewal.

From a legal perspective, the Archbishop of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Umuahia Archdiocese, Most Rev Chibuzo Raphael Opoko, spoke on democratic standards and electoral integrity.

He cited provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act and international democratic conventions, stressing that electoral malpractice undermined popular sovereignty.

While acknowledging technological improvements such as biometric voter accreditation, he said credible elections required integrity, impartial institutions and effective enforcement of the law.

The theological dimension of civic engagement was addressed by Pastor Emmanuel Ihim, who described voting as a moral and spiritual responsibility.

He urged Christians to participate thoughtfully in elections, evaluate candidates based on character and competence, and remain engaged in holding leaders accountable beyond election periods.

At the end of the summit, participants issued a communiqué reaffirming the Church’s commitment to peaceful and transparent elections.

The communiqué rejected vote buying, bribery and coercion, called for greater youth participation, and urged government institutions, the media and civil society to promote accountability and electoral integrity.

Several speakers, including Archbishop Chikezie Elekwa, immediate past chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria in Abia State; CAN Abia chairman, Ojo Ojo Uduma; and Bishop U.U. Nmeregini of the Methodist Diocese of Ndoro, praised the initiative and called for unity, prayer and sustained civic engagement.

Also speaking, Reverend Dr Blessed Uchechukwu Amalambu, state public relations officer of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and state treasurer of CAN, said meaningful political change would come through informed voting, civic education and grassroots mobilisation rather than violence.

The organisers said the summit was intended to be part of a broader effort to promote ethical leadership, democratic participation and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.