Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The presiding bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, David Oyedepo, has urged members of his congregation to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and actively participate in the electoral process, declaring that the church's millions of members have a significant say in who governs the nation. Speaking on Sunday, 12 July 2026, during a service at the Faith Tabernacle in Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, Oyedepo emphasised that obtaining the voter card is a civic responsibility that Christians must not neglect. He delivered the message during a sermon titled "Breaking the Curses of Life" as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing the congregation, Oyedepo said Christians have a constitutional right to participate in deciding who governs their countries, and that the size of the church's membership gives it a stake in national affairs. "We have a civic responsibility as responsible citizens of our various nations. This church is today in 144 nations," the cleric said. "Endeavour to secure your voter cards. You are men and women of the spirit. You should know on your own personal conviction where to cast your vote." He stressed that members of the church are bona fide citizens of their respective countries and should not remain indifferent to the electoral process. "We are not passers-by in our nations. We are bona fide citizens of the nation. We have a right to participate in who governs us," he said. "So, please go ahead. It's part of our policy; you will find it in our mandate. So, go ahead and ensure that you secure your voter's right."
Oyedepo further argued that the numerical strength of the Living Faith Church gives its members a powerful voice in determining the country's leadership. "And this church, with the millions that we have, we have a say in it. So, be part of it," he added. He reminded worshippers that their votes carry significant weight and urged them to prepare early, rather than wait until the election season begins. According to him, political leadership influences national destiny and believers must not remain passive when opportunities to choose leaders present themselves. He further stressed that spiritual authority does not replace civic duty, adding that Christians must balance prayers with active participation in democratic processes.
Despite his call for active political participation, the bishop reiterated the church's non-partisan stance, emphasising that while it encourages civic engagement, it does not endorse political candidates. "I have never carried a ballot box in my life, so I am not going to ask anyone to vote for me. I am already voted for," he said. "But we have a right to determine who rules us. And this church, with the millions that we have, has a say in it. So be part of it."
Oyedepo's remarks come amid growing calls from various stakeholders for greater citizen participation in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections. His message aligns with a broader push by religious and civil society leaders to encourage Nigerians to register to vote and actively engage in the democratic process. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise to 24 July 2026, giving eligible Nigerians additional time to obtain their PVCs. With the 2027 elections drawing nearer, Oyedepo's call to action is likely to resonate with millions of his followers across Nigeria and beyond, reinforcing the message that every vote counts and that citizens have a responsibility to shape the future of their nation.p
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