Living Faith founder calls on church members to participate in the democratic process
The Founder and Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, has urged members of his congregation to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, stressing that active participation in the electoral process is both a civic responsibility and a constitutional right.
Speaking during a service of “breaking the curses of life” at Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, on Sunday 12th July, 2026, Oyedepo encouraged worshippers not to remain passive about the country’s future. According to him, citizens have a responsibility to contribute to the emergence of credible leadership by exercising their right to vote.
“We Have a Say in Who Governs Us“
Addressing thousands of worshippers during the service, the renowned cleric said Christians should see their Permanent Voter Cards as instruments for influencing national development rather than merely identification documents.
Oyedepo noted that the church has a significant presence both in Nigeria and across the world, adding that believers should not shy away from participating in governance through the ballot box. He maintained that leadership plays a crucial role in determining the direction and prosperity of any nation and urged members to make informed decisions whenever elections are held. While encouraging political participation, the bishop did not endorse any political party or presidential hopeful. Instead, he emphasized that every eligible Nigerian should vote according to personal conviction and conscience.
Message Comes as Preparations for 2027 Gather Momentum
Oyedepo’s remarks come at a time when conversations surrounding the 2027 general elections are gradually gaining momentum across Nigeria. Political parties have begun internal consultations, while electoral stakeholders continue to encourage eligible citizens to register and collect their voter cards ahead of the polls.
The bishop’s appeal also coincides with the ongoing voter registration exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which is aimed at increasing voter participation and ensuring more Nigerians are eligible to cast their ballots during the next general election. Observers believe that calls from influential religious, traditional and community leaders could help improve voter awareness and encourage greater participation, especially among young people who make up a significant portion of Nigeria’s voting population.
Mixed Reactions Across Social Media
Oyedepo’s comments quickly generated discussions across social media platforms, where many Nigerians praised the cleric for encouraging civic engagement rather than political apathy.
Supporters described the message as timely, arguing that religious leaders have an important role in reminding citizens of their democratic responsibilities. Many also applauded the bishop for urging participation without openly endorsing any political candidate or party.
However, some commentators cautioned that while faith leaders can encourage voter participation, the responsibility of choosing candidates ultimately rests with individual voters based on their assessment of competence, integrity and policies.
Faith and Civic Responsibility
Over the years, religious leaders in Nigeria have frequently spoken on national issues ranging from governance and economic development to security and elections. Oyedepo’s latest remarks continue that tradition by linking faith with responsible citizenship.
Political analysts note that encouraging voter registration differs from campaigning for a political party. Rather than directing members on who to support, the bishop’s message focused on ensuring that Christians do not surrender their constitutional right to participate in choosing those who govern the country.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Although Nigeria’s next general elections are still months away, discussions surrounding leadership, governance and voter participation are expected to intensify in the coming months.
For Bishop Oyedepo, the message was straightforward: every eligible citizen should secure a Permanent Voter Card and be prepared to participate in deciding the country’s future through peaceful and lawful democratic means.
His call adds to the growing nationwide campaign encouraging Nigerians to register, collect their PVCs and remain actively involved in the democratic process.
As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, voter participation is expected to remain one of the key issues shaping public discourse, with many stakeholders insisting that meaningful national development begins when citizens actively exercise their constitutional right to vote.
