Pentecostal Fellowship dabbles in politics, to elect Rivers’ christians not party

…Resolve may shatter godfathers’ plans – Analyst

The Christian Community in Rivers State, conservatively placed at 70% of the State’s nine million population, has vowed to vote massively for Christians during the 2027 General Elections, irrespective of political party affiliations.

BusinessDay notes that the Christians dominate Rivers State by as much as 70%, analysts say, with the Muslims and traditional religion adherents holding on to the remaining 30%.

Nyesom Wike, former Governor of Rivers State and Minister of FederalCapitalTerritory, in 2023 referred to Rivers as a “Christian State.”

Minaibi Dagogo-Jack, Chairman of the State Chapter of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), which leads the largest body of Christians in the State, noted that his members would ensure only credible candidates are elected into office in 2027.

Although Dagogo-Jack did not immediately show preference for any aspirant, Godwin Chukwumaechi, analyst, said the signals might however favour Siminalayi Fubara, incumbent State Governor, being a Christian.

Governor Fubara is currently facing uncertainty over his possible second term bid, following his faceoff with Wike, his estranged godfather. Chukwumaechi argued that “with the Church behind him, Fubara can withstand any opposition.”

The PFN chairman, at a press briefing in Port Harcourt insisted that Christians have the voting strength to ensure only credible persons—irrespective of party affiliations —achieve victory at the polls.

He said the PFN would mobilise Christians to register and use their voter cards to vote out bad leadership in the 2027 General elections.

Dagogo-Jack said the organisation had inaugurated its offices around three agendas, which include enhancing good governance by praying for peace during the electioneering period.

“The second thing we asked those inaugurated today, after charging them to increase their prayers, is to campaign for members of the various churches to obtain their PVCs (Permanent Voter’s Cards).

“PVC revalidation and voter register updates end this month. Before they do: ‘Please go to the various churches and, in the wards, charge members to get registered.’ If you’re registered in another state but want to vote in Rivers, speak to INEC—they’ll guide you on transferring your voting location.

“We must mobilize the church to vote for one candidate. Don’t forget, PFN is not partisan. We don’t endorse any political party because, if you examine their constitutions, they’re all nearly identical.

“We have found that politicians don’t believe in political ideals; they behave as if they don’t believe in their manifestos. So we don’t believe in political parties at all—we believe in the individual. In religious parlance, we hold that it takes one person to make a difference. We also believe it takes a strong leader to build a good economy.

“One thing we told them is that, at the right time, we will announce whom the church will vote for. Enough of these disrespects and attacks on pastors,” he said.

Dagogo-Jack said the PFN is leading a plan to ensure that Christians and Churches in Rivers State agree to vote a single candidate in 2027.

“There are 3.5 million registered voters, but only 303 votes made a governor in the 2023 election—not even 10% of those registered in the state. Yet politicians make noise and disturb us. So we are determined to mobilize our church members.

“Pentecostals form a large bloc in Rivers State. Other denominations have called me to join us in this vision, and we are serious about it. We have set up the DPC. We’re charging them to do three things for us.

“One is to intensify prayer. We must become more prayerful so there will be peace throughout the electioneering period and God will touch the consciences of so-called politicians. Men and politicians in Rivers State no longer fear God,” he added.

The Rivers PFN Chairman also frowned at killings in some parts of the Country. He said the Church must rise to end killings, multiple taxation, insufficient power supply, and insecurity across Nigeria.

Dagogo-Jack said: “Issues bordering us as a Pentecostal body in Rivers State—you will recall the recent 2023 Global Terrorism Index, which ranked Nigeria as the fourth most terrorized nation. Terrorism, killings, and kidnappings are all on the rise.

“You recall that during this Easter period, wedding guests were kidnapped and killed—as in the Jos case where several people died. This is still happening. You also recall that even civilized nations like the United States recently issued a travel advisory for their citizens. Concerns are everywhere, and the church cannot sleep while Nigeria dies gradually.”