The Christian Social Movement of Nigeria, CSMN, has warned that no region must lay claim to the ownership of Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The association also warned that irresponsible actors could find it easier to capture institutions, advance sectional interests and undermine the common good when intellectuals and responsible citizens withdraw from civic engagement.

It said that when Christians divide their political strength without seeking common ground, they risk diminishing their collective influence, adding that the Nigerian Church possesses enormous spiritual, intellectual, demographic, professional and organisational resources.

“Political apathy does not leave the political space empty. It leaves decisions about leadership, public policy, security, education, the economy and the future of our children in the hands of those who participate,” the association said during a Zoom media briefing addressed by its Chairman of the Governing Council, Elder Sunday Oibe, on Monday.

“When responsible citizens withdraw, irresponsible actors may find it easier to capture institutions, advance sectional interests and undermine the common good. When Christians divide their political strength without seeking common ground, they risk diminishing their collective influence.

“When the Church confines its response to lamentation without constructive civic engagement, it misses opportunities to contribute to solutions. The consequences are borne not only by Christians but by the entire nation.

“We cannot consistently pray for good governance while refusing to accept our responsibility to help shape it.

“The Church must therefore move from political apathy to responsible participation, from fragmentation to collaboration, and from criticism alone to constructive engagement. Our calling is not simply to complain about the darkness. It is to help bring light.”

Calling for balance, the association warned that no religious, ethnic or sectional interest should dominate the country.

“The Nigerian State belongs to all Nigerians. It must not be captured by any religious, ethnic or sectional interest. Section 10 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria provides that the government of the federation or a State shall not adopt any religion as a State religion.

“Persistent insecurity, attacks on communities, allegations of religious discrimination and concerns about the unequal protection of citizens have created deep anxiety among many Nigerians. The government must address these concerns through effective security, impartial law enforcement, transparency and accountability.

“We are particularly concerned that the failure to protect vulnerable communities and hold perpetrators accountable can embolden religious extremists and deepen distrust in public institutions.

“The answer is not to replace one form of religious domination with another. The answer is to strengthen democracy and ensure that the State protects every citizen equally. Christians must participate meaningfully in politics, public administration, policy development and the institutions where decisions affecting our nation are made. Such participation is legitimate, necessary and consistent with responsible citizenship.

“Our objective must be to restore balance to the polity by strengthening democratic institutions, defending constitutional freedoms and ensuring that no extremist group — inside or outside government — can dictate the future of Nigeria. We seek a country where Christians, Muslims, traditionalists and citizens of every belief can live together in peace, under a system of government that serves all.”