Former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, has urged Nigerian Catholics to take an active role in politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that abandoning politics could allow people with questionable values to occupy positions of authority.

Fayemi made the call during the plenary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBC) at Our Lady and St. Kizito Pastoral Centre, Oke-Gada, Ede, Osun State.

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Speaking on the theme, “Faith in Action: Empowering the Catholic Laity for Active Political Participation Ahead of the 2027 General Elections,” the former governor said Christians have a responsibility to bring their values into public life and contribute to justice, accountability and the common good.

‘Politics Should Not Be Left to Opportunists’

Fayemi warned that the perception of politics as a “dirty game” should not discourage people of integrity from participating.

He said abandoning the political space could create opportunities for individuals who do not share the values of accountability and public service to take control of government.

“Public office is too serious to be left to people who have no fear of God. When serious Catholics committed to the ideals of social justice and the common good turn away from politics, we open the door for unprincipled opportunists to take power.”

Fayemi Lists Ways Catholics Can Participate

The former governor said political participation should go beyond simply voting during elections.

According to him, citizens should consider contesting elections, joining political parties, monitoring electoral processes, educating voters and holding elected officials accountable as important aspects of democratic participation.

He also encouraged eligible Catholics to register to vote, obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate in voter education and election monitoring.

Fayemi said these efforts would help strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

Reject Ethnicity, Religion and Blind Party Loyalty

Fayemi urged voters to approach the 2027 elections without allowing ethnicity, religion, personal financial interests, political patronage or blind loyalty to political parties to determine their choices.

Instead, he advised Nigerians to assess candidates and their programmes based on issues such as human dignity, justice, peace, security, development and the common good.

Church Must Prepare Members for Public Service

The former Ekiti governor also called on the Catholic Church to make political formation a priority.

He argued that encouraging Christians to participate in politics would not be enough unless they were adequately prepared for the responsibilities and demands of public service.

His remarks come as political parties and civic organisations intensify preparations and voter mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.