Former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, has urged Nigerian Catholics to become more involved in politics, warning that withdrawing from public affairs could allow individuals without strong principles to take control of government.
Fayemi made the call on Saturday while speaking at the plenary session of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at Our Lady and St. Kizito Pastoral Centre, Oke-Gada, Ede, Osun State.
The former governor, who spoke on the theme, ‘Faith in Action: Empowering the Catholic Laity for Active Political Participation Ahead of the 2027 General Elections’, said Christians should not allow the perception of politics as a corrupt or “dirty” profession to keep them away from governance.
He argued that the teachings of the Catholic Church require its members to contribute to the social and political development of society.
According to Fayemi, people of faith should take their values into public service and work towards a political system that promotes justice, accountability, peace and the welfare of citizens.
“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,” he said.
Fayemi stressed that political participation should go beyond casting ballots during elections.
He listed contesting for elective positions, joining political parties, monitoring elections, educating voters and demanding accountability from elected representatives as other ways citizens could contribute to the democratic process.
The former governor also cautioned Catholics against allowing ethnic considerations, religious sentiments, financial interests, political patronage or unquestioning allegiance to political parties to influence their decisions during the 2027 elections.
Instead, he advised voters to examine candidates and their proposed policies based on issues such as human dignity, justice, security, peace, development and the common good.
Fayemi further encouraged eligible voters to register, obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate actively in voter education and election monitoring.
He said citizens should also play a role in protecting democratic institutions and ensuring that electoral processes remain credible.
The former governor called on the Catholic Church to strengthen political education among its members, particularly those interested in seeking public office.
He said encouraging Catholics to participate in politics would not be enough without giving them the knowledge and skills required to serve effectively.
Fayemi proposed structured training covering areas such as Catholic social teaching, constitutional provisions, electoral regulations, democratic governance, leadership ethics, public policy, human rights, media literacy and election monitoring.
He also urged the Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria (CYON) to organise programmes that would equip young people with knowledge about vote buying, voter apathy and electoral violence ahead of the 2027 elections.
