***Urges Christians to participate in politics, national transformation

The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has declared that poverty, rather than religious differences, is Nigeria’s most pressing challenge.

He urged Christians across the country to participate actively in politics and the quest for national transformation.

Makinde, who spoke after receiving the Christian Icon Award from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), said Nigerians must move beyond the perception that politics was inherently dirty or incompatible with Christian values if the country was to overcome its socio-economic challenges.

He argued that Christians should not withdraw from political engagement on the grounds that they might have to work with people of different religious beliefs, stressing the need for greater participation in efforts to reshape the country’s future.

“Our problem is not primarily a religious one. Our problem in this country is poverty — grinding poverty,” Makinde said.

“At this stage, we must focus on addressing the issues currently confronting us. Those are the challenges we need to tackle.”

The governor of Oyo State said the recognition offered him an opportunity to encourage Christians to contribute more actively to governance and the drive for national renewal.

Drawing from biblical accounts, Makinde challenged Christians who consider political participation incompatible with their faith to reconsider their position, citing the example of David, who continued to serve King Saul despite knowing that he had been chosen to succeed him.

He said the biblical account demonstrated the importance of service and commitment to a greater purpose, urging Christians not to abandon the political space to others.

“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.

The remarks come as political parties and presidential aspirants intensify preparations for the 2027 general election, with economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and the cost of living expected to remain major issues in the national debate.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Makinde-Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation (MDPCO) congratulated the APM candidate on the award, describing it as recognition of his public service and commitment to national development.

The statement, signed by the organisation’s Director of Strategic Communications, Richard Nnanna Ihediwa, said Makinde was the only presidential candidate in the 2027 election to receive the honour at CAN’s 50th anniversary celebration.

According to the campaign organisation, the Christian Icon Award recognises leaders whose public conduct reflects integrity, excellence, commitment to nation-building and the values of faith and service.

It attributed the award to Makinde’s record as governor of Oyo State, citing his administration’s policies, infrastructure development and approach to public accountability.

The organisation also linked the recognition to the candidate’s proposed RESET NIGERIA agenda, which it said focuses on national renewal, transparency, accountability, efficient public service, economic productivity and improved security.

The campaign group maintained that the agenda had continued to attract support from Nigerians across different backgrounds, expressing confidence that the 2027 election would provide an opportunity for a change in the country’s governance direction.

It urged Nigerians to remain committed to efforts aimed at securing what it described as responsible, responsive and purposeful leadership.

Makinde’s call for Christian participation in politics adds a religious dimension to the wider debate over civic engagement and national development ahead of the 2027 polls.

His emphasis on poverty as the country’s central challenge, however, places economic welfare and the material conditions of citizens at the heart of his appeal for national transformation.