The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Province of the Niger, has warned the Presidency, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against manipulating the 2027 general elections or taking Nigerians for granted.
The church also cautioned against moves towards a one-party system, describing alleged intimidation of opposition parties and candidates as dangerous to democracy.
It urged Nigerians not to approach the 2027 polls with indifference but to use their votes to hold leaders accountable.
The warning was given by the Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger, Bishop of Aguata and Supervising Bishop of Awka, Rt. Rev. Dr. Samuel C. Ezeofor, during the 2026 Anglican Prayer Rally of Anambra State (APRAS).
Ezeofor recalled that the Province had at its synod in May warned about the dangers of a one-party state and urged vigilance.
“This is the time for us to come out to show that we are human beings, that we are not robots and so everywhere in the country, we are calling upon Nigerians to take their future and destiny in their hands with the forthcoming presidential and other elections,” he said.
Addressing stakeholders, the bishop said Nigerians were increasingly dissatisfied and should not be taken for granted.
“If they take Nigerians for granted, it may come to a point where there may be a revolution. I don’t pray for that, but by my training, I am trained to believe the best but be prepared for the worst,” he said.
“So both the Presidency, APC, INEC and all the people who are involved in the election that is coming in 2027, let everyone of them be careful and do what Nigerians said with their ballots and would want to be done with their votes.”
On internal challenges facing the Province, Ezeofor acknowledged that some faithful may have been discouraged by the crisis within the church, but urged them to remain steadfast.
“As human beings, we may stumble, but God is still on his throne. This church belongs to God, yet it is human beings who run the church and it is also a human system,” he said.
He encouraged members to keep looking unto Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of their faith.
The 2026 rally, themed “Dwelling in the Secret Place of the Most High God”, was attended by six bishops including retired Archbishop of the Province of the Niger, Most Rev. Prof. Godwin Okpara, Bishop Ephraim Ikeako (Amichi), Bishop Prosper Amah (Ogbaru), Bishop Ndubuisi Obi (Nnewi) and Bishop Obiora Uzochukwu (Niger East).
Earlier, preacher Venerable Dr. Emma Ezeugo urged Christians to devote more time to prayer and fasting, saying prayer brings peace, protection and peace of mind.