Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called on Christians to participate fully in the agenda for national transformation.
The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential candidate made the appeal on Saturday, 17 October 2026, in Abuja.
He spoke shortly after receiving the Icon of Christianity Award from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
The honour recognised public service anchored on integrity and faith for the common good of Nigeria.
Makinde said the recognition provided an opportunity to encourage Christians across the country to engage actively in the process of resetting the nation.
He rejected the notion that politics is inherently dirty or that believers should avoid association with those of different faiths.
Drawing on biblical examples, he cited the story of David, who served in the palace of Saul despite already being anointed as future king.
Makinde also referenced the prophet Samuel, who took risks to advance what he believed was God’s mission.
According to him, “I am grateful for the honour. But I also see it as an opportunity to call on Christians to participate in the agenda for national transformation. It is typical for us to say, ‘politics is dirty. You don’t want to be yoked with unbelievers’, and things like that.
“We must look at biblical examples, such as the High Priest l, Samuel. You see what Eli’s children were doing at the altar, but out of all that, Samuel was raised to advance God’s mission.
“We should also remember that people may say, ‘As Christians, we don’t want to serve under unbelievers.’ But let us also remember the biblical example of David.
“David had already been anointed and knew he was going to be king, but he had to go to the palace to serve Saul, from whom God had already departed.
“So, I will use this opportunity to encourage our Christian brothers and sisters across the country to brace up and participate in the agenda to transform Nigeria and reset our country.”
Poverty Identified as Core Challenge
The governor dismissed the view that religion is Nigeria’s primary problem.
He insisted that the country’s greatest challenge is grinding poverty.
Any leader genuinely interested in rescuing Nigeria, he said, must present a comprehensive agenda to address poverty and related issues.
Makinde urged Christians to focus on the practical challenges confronting the nation at this stage.
His comments come as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
As the APM presidential candidate, Makinde has been promoting a “Reset Agenda” centred on security, the economy, the cost-of-living crisis and food security.
Makinde’s message emphasises that meaningful transformation requires active involvement rather than withdrawal from the democratic process.
Observers will be watching to see if his appeal influences political engagement among Christian voters and leaders in the lead-up to 2027.
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