I wrote this on Democracy Day in Nigeria, I feel a great deal of responsibility to put in a word with regards to politics and the Christian.
Right now, it is even more important because this is a very important season in the life of Nigeria as we move closer to the 2023 elections.
It is laudable to note that this is the longest streak of democratic rule in Nigeria at over 22 years; Nigerians deserve some accolade looking at where we are coming from.
Before I go into the main discourse, it is imperative to note that democracy did not come easy. Many people fought with their careers and lives to get to this point and they are the real heroes. Many are dead and some are alive today, and they must be celebrated.
For this reason, I will quickly caution those who berate activists and freedom fighters because the fact that you can even type on social media is the very result of their work. Last year, some of you witnessed for the first time, a little taste of tyranny when this government locked Twitter down.
Ask any adult above 35, they will tell you that was just a child’s play compared to what these activists you now berate, fought in the 80s and 90s. Some of them were expelled, some were executed, some were exiled while some others were imprisoned. What happened with the Twitter ban was just like introduction to tyranny.
In 1994, I was a young boy when my brother took me to the then Ojodu Berger bridge to witness the first riot marking June 12 anniversary as Nigerians demanded that MKO Abiola’s mandate be restored. We escaped bullets only to return to our area to find tear gas all over the area from Iwo street junction down to Omotola way.
The heroes past include the men on the forefront in those days. May their efforts over Nigeria never be in vain.
The beauty of democracy is that some of those who perpetuated military rule became the first beneficiaries of democracy. They positioned themselves and became Senate president, presidents, senators, heads of parastatals, while some of those who fought and are lucky to be alive today are still being witchunted by the same Generals that changed clothes, for example, Omoyele Sowore
In order not to make the introduction too long, I will get into the main discourse.
In this election season, should a believer be concerned and active?
Should a Christian be partisan or neutral?
If partisan, should you be modest and go all the way persuading others to join you or should you keep your vote to yourself while hoping and praying that others do right?
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I know it would sound very smart if I told you that those politicians have plan Bs and they would jet out should anything go wrong and that only their foot soldiers die in foolish battles. I would be shocked if you didn’t know that already and you’re above 18 years old as a Nigerian. So, I do not consider that an appropriate messaging for this period. I strongly think everyone should be concerned about preserving life and family. But that alone as a message is precariously incomplete and borderline selfish. I’ll tell you why.
Each person in Nigeria has many branches- cousins, nephews and other distant relatives. We may not be in regular touch but I’d be more glad that they all live in prosperity and safety than be happy that I have the means to flee because of crises and they die here. So, being less concerned about what Nigeria turns out to become, because I have the means to flee is grossly irresponsible as a Christian.
The Bible says in Mark 12: 31 that “… love your neighbour as yourself”. So, where is the love in this selfish thinking?
If you cannot save your entire family then the next best available option is to do your part to prevent crises, as you prepare for eventualities beyond your control, but you cannot be indifferent.
In the Old Testament, what was practiced with the Jews before 1 Samuel was called Theocracy where God was entirely in charge of the government. Other nations besides Israel had their own forms of self government. The moment the entire mankind decided on self government, it became the responsibility of everyone involved to participate.
With our reality today, Nigeria has chosen self governance called democracy which is the government of the people by the people and for the people.
With regards to participation, the Bible preaches moderation in everything and that does not exclude politics.
The first thing we must realise as believers is that this world is not our final destination and therefore we cannot behave like this who have no hope. However, because you have the right as a Nigerian citizen to determine who leads you, you are allowed by law to be active and I believe it does not negate the will of God.
In reality, the decisions of the leaders may not impact our eternal destiny but it may impact the quality of life here. For example, even highly placed and global Nigerian figures still get harrased at airports for carrying Nigerian passports. They don’t ask if you’re a Christian or not before they treat you negatively differently, partly because of the decisions of our leaders. So, if you had the opportunity to choose one you perceive to be of better potential, you’re well within your rights.
Next, believers must understand that our hope cannot be in man.
Jeremiah 17: 5 says,
“This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the LORD.”
So, having a candidate and promoting the candidate is not wrong but you must excuse the person’s humanity and never believe he cannot disappoint. If you don’t believe me, ask those who could swear on their lives in 2014 and 2015 that Buhari will make Nigeria greater than UK. Some have eaten their words, the more dogged ones are still hoping a miracle will happen in the next few months.
As believers, we will pray and we will participate, reasonably and within the confines of the scriptures.
We will engage respectfully but we will engage, anyway.
We will avoid stirring trouble. We will make peace without jeopardizing truth.
The Bible says in Romans 12: 8, “Inasmuch as it is within your power, make peace with all men”.
We will love even those who oppose us. Some will be annoying but you will keep your peace.
We will not induce, bribe others or do anything illegal to win votes. Remember, we represent God’s Kindgom and no matter how long we live here, it cannot be compared to eternity.
To please the Lord is more important than winning elections.
The simple reason I concede that believers can and should participate in elections is that, regardless of what we do, or where we “japa” to, the impact of bad governance reaches every responsible Nigerian even in diaspora.
Some Nigerians, after working multiple shifts and long hours, you get unending calls for money, many times because opportunities are not evenly distributed and people are being impoverished by their leaders.
So, it is well within your rights to participate in this election cycle as long as you maintain your Christian identity and integrity in word and deed.
Don’t mock unhealthy contestants, don’t attack the person, rather promote your candidate. Sickness has no respect for persons. If you think he’s not fit, promote your candidate all the more.
Contribute your resources and vote when the time comes.
Moreso, it is also within your rights to be neutral but don’t berate those who choose to be partisan. Life in itself can be partisan. There’s politics at work, at home and even in church.
Now, where many are lacking in wisdom is making enemies of their fellow citizens who supports the opposition, forgetting that they’re both victims.
Don’t lose valuable friendships because of politics. This Is where politicians across political parties are smarter; they’re not necessarily friends, but they’re hardly sworn enemies like the regular foot soldiers make themselves.
Your next promotion or genuine business opportunity might come from someone of a different persuasion.
Be guided.
Finally, let us pray for the peace of Nigeria.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all.
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