Ahead of the 2027 general election, the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, Mike Okonkwo, has urged Nigerians to reject politicians who rely on vote buying and handouts, warning that the country cannot progress by recycling failed leaders.

Okonkwo, in an interview in Enugu, said the church had a critical role in providing civic education to help citizens make informed choices, noting that churches remain closest to the people at the grassroots.

“It is sad that in Nigeria, people collect N5,000 to vote for somebody they know does not have the capacity to lead and then come back to complain about poor representation. That is why we continue to witness rising poverty, insecurity and underdevelopment,” he said.

He stressed that elected officials are meant to provide security, education, healthcare and infrastructure, and should not be seen as doing citizens a favor. Urging voters to look beyond religion and ethnicity, he said Nigeria must stop allowing those who only know how to share money and bags of rice to occupy public office. Citing Abia State, Okonkwo said good governance naturally earns public support, pointing to governorship aspirants stepping aside because residents wanted Governor Alex Otti to continue