Kaduna Cleric Urges Christians to Embrace Politics, Backs Tinubu's 2027 Re-election Bid

By: Abubakar Labaran

A prominent Kaduna-based cleric has thrown his weight behind President Bola Tinubu's re-election campaign, dismissing fears over the Muslim-Muslim ticket while urging Christians to actively participate in governance rather than remain on the sidelines.

Dr. Emmanuel Simon, National Patron (Religious Affairs) of the "Relax, Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria" movement, made the declaration on Saturday during the inaugural stakeholders meeting in Kaduna. The cleric, who also serves as Founder of The Blessed Embassy, stressed that nation-building requires constructive engagement, not political isolation.

"The only way you can repair a nation is to be involved. If you continue to stay outside throwing stones and accusing people, you cannot help fix the country," Simon stated.

Addressing concerns about the all-Muslim presidential ticket, the cleric argued that governance should be evaluated based on performance, competence and service delivery rather than religious considerations. He pointed to the appointment of Christians into strategic positions within the administration as evidence of inclusivity.

"When you look at government appointments, you will see many Christians serving in key positions. Governance should not be reduced to religious considerations alone," he said.

Simon, who described himself as "not a politician," explained that his acceptance of the appointment was driven by a desire to contribute to national development. "No political party has ever brought me this close before. I accepted because I believe I can make my own little contribution to society," he noted.

The cleric described the movement as an inclusive coalition bringing together Nigerians across religious and ethnic divides in support of good governance, adding: "This movement is not about religion. It is about good governance and moving Nigeria forward."

In a direct appeal to his fellow Christians, Simon urged them to seek elective and appointive positions, arguing that greater participation by individuals of integrity and transparency would improve governance quality.

"My advice to Christians is that they should not shy away from politics. Wherever you are, in your ward, local government, state or at the national level, participate in the democratic process," he urged.

Earlier, Rev. Dr. Adebayo Emmanuel, Senior Special Assistant to Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani on Community Residents, delivered the governor's goodwill message, congratulating Simon on his appointment and describing it as recognition of his peace-building contributions.

The governor's representative noted that economic and institutional reforms under Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda require patience, resilience and support from all patriotic Nigerians, adding that government alone cannot build the nation without active citizen participation.

Timescope reports that the event attracted political stakeholders, Christian religious groups, youth and women organisations, community representatives and movement supporters from across the Northwest, who gathered to celebrate Simon's appointment and reaffirm support for President Tinubu's administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.