Obasanjo Calls for Clean Elections, Christian Participation in Politics

Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, emphasized the pervasive issue of corruption in Nigeria’s electoral system during his address at the 57th annual convention and 67th anniversary of The Gospel Faith Mission International.

Held at the Gospel City in Ogun State, the event centered around the theme, ‘The Roles of the Church in Nation Building at a Time Like This’.

Obasanjo candidly stated that the foundation of elections in Nigeria has been tainted by corruption, and he stressed that corruption cannot serve as a solid basis for any endeavor to thrive. Addressing the audience, he asserted, “The foundation of election in Nigeria is corruption and you cannot make corruption the foundation of anything for it to be good.”

Drawing on his own experiences, Obasanjo recalled the local government election of 1999, highlighting the challenges posed by corruption during the electoral process. He recounted incidents where demands were made for financial allocations for police, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the Department of State Services (DSS). In response, he refrained from allocating funds, believing that these government agencies should already have been adequately funded for their responsibilities.

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Obasanjo’s speech extended beyond the issue of elections, as he discussed the crucial role of the church in times of national crisis. He called on the church to rise as a beacon of hope and a force for positive change, especially during periods characterized by insecurity, poverty, and hopelessness. He emphasized the responsibility of the church to be the “salt of the world,” contributing to the betterment of society.

The event also featured the General-Overseer of GOFAMINT, E. O. Abina, who shared an anecdote about encountering President Obasanjo during a visit to Aso Rock Chapel when he was in office. The General-Overseer recalled seeing Obasanjo actively teaching Sunday School, illustrating the former President’s commitment to his faith.

Obasanjo’s address resonated with his call for clean and transparent elections in Nigeria, urging citizens to actively participate in politics to effect positive change. His insights shed light on the challenges the country faces and the potential for transformative action through the collective efforts of citizens, especially those grounded in their faith.