Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Mr Seyi Makinde, on Saturday, October 17, said Nigeria’s main problem is what he described as ‘grinding poverty’ and not religion.
He also charged Christians to be actively involved in the agenda to transform Nigeria as the 2027 polls draw closer day-to-day, asking them to drop the idea of describing politics as a dirty game
Makinde spoke in Abuja after he was honoured by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) with the Icon of Christianity Award, “in recognition of public service anchored on integrity and faith for the common good of Nigeria.”
CAN gave the award in commemoration of its 50th anniversary celebrations.
According to the Oyo State governor, “our problem is not actually religion. Our problem in this country is poverty; grinding poverty. At this stage, we must focus on addressing the issues we are currently facing.”
He added that any leader genuinely interested in rescuing Nigeria must come up with a comprehensive agenda on how to address poverty ravaging many people in the country.
Makinde also called on Christians to jettison the notion of politics being a ‘dirty game’, saying that thinking would ultimately shut them out of the decisions or the processes leading to governance.
He explained that those with the capacity to serve the country could only do so if they participated in the processes and not by staying away.
“I am grateful for the honour. But I also see it as an opportunity to call on Christians to participate in the agenda for national transformation.
“It is typical for us to say, ‘politics is dirty. You don’t want to be yoked with unbelievers’, and things like that”, he stated.
“So, I will use this opportunity to encourage our Christian brothers and sisters across the country to brace up and participate in the agenda to transform Nigeria and reset our country,” he said.
