Ahead of the August 19th official commencement of political campaigns, Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba has urged politicians to run issue-based campaigns rather than resorting to violence or inflammatory tactics, stressing that politics “is not a do-or-die affair.”

He also appealed to Nigerian youths to shun thuggery and violence and resist being used as political thugs or proxy foot soldiers in exchange for money and drugs.

Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja during the Annual Conference of Chancellors, Registrars, and Legal Officers (ACRLOC) of the Church, Ndukuba stated that the forthcoming 2027 general election is very critical to the future of democracy in the country and cautioned against any action that would undermine the political process.

He urged the electoral authorities and security agencies to be transparent and neutral in the discharge of their duties.

Ndukuba charged the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and law enforcement bodies not to undermine the will of the people.

The Primate urged all Nigerians to recognize the critical turning point facing the country between now and 2027.
He said, “This year and the next will be pivotal in deciding what this nation becomes. “Let citizens arise and do the needful. Poverty and hunger have made the hearts and souls of our people easily purchasable, leading to widespread vote-buying and violence. By the grace of God, it shall be well with Nigeria.”

“I want to encourage our young people , never serve as a thug for any politician. None of these politicians will send their own children—who are comfortably studying in Europe, America, and the UK—to carry out violence. What they cannot ask their own children to do, they must not pay you to do.”

Commenting on the impending rollout of state policing, Archbishop Ndukuba expressed optimism that localized security structure would give states a stronger stake in ensuring peaceful, credible polls.

Ndukuba urged Christians to shun political apathy, actively register with political parties, and take an assertive role in shaping Nigeria’s democratic future.
He expressed deep concern over the historical retreat of Christians from governance, warning that sitting on the sidelines directly impacts the quality of leadership and policy in the country.
“Every aspect of our life is political. Politics is the means by which society is ruled, laws are made, and public resources are managed. We must sensitize every citizen to be politically conscious and engaged.”

Addressing the foundational flaws within Nigeria’s political structure, Ndukuba emphasized that civic engagement must start from the grassroots to market women, youth, and informal sector workers like keke drivers and Okada operators.
He cautioned against the destructive culture of godfatherism and money-bag politics, calling on political institutions to enforce strict internal democracy.

> “If there is no justice in the choice of party leaders internally, there is no way we can suddenly wake up and have a credible general election. A situation where you cannot aspire to leadership without a godfather or heavy funding cannot help our nation. Political parties must actively include women and youth, because the future belongs to them.

Earlier, the Registrar and Chairperson, Conference , Mrs Kehinde Ajoni said the Chancery of the Church of Nigeria must occasionally act as the lone voice of moral conscience in the Church.

Ajoni emphasized that in the service to God in various Dioceses, exclusive loyalty to God is non-negotiable adding that they cannot employ deceptive secular legal loopholes, frivolous stall tactics, or intimidation to cover up internal misconduct.

She said , For us, it is given that we help our Diocesans to ensure legal compliance in all matters. When crises, disputes, or liabilities occur, Joshua 24:15 demands that the Chancery coounsel Church leadership towards absolute honesty, confession, and restitution, rather defensive stonewalling.