By JOHN OKWII
Nigeria stands today at a dangerous moral crossroads. The nation’s political atmosphere has become increasingly polluted by corruption, violence, tribal hatred, manipulation, intimidation, falsehood and the worship of power and money. Political primaries and electoral processes that ought to reflect justice and service have instead become marketplaces of conscience where votes are bought, numbers manipulated, truth buried and integrity crucified.
Many now celebrate cunning instead of character. Delegates are bribed, tallies inflated, ethnic and religious divisions weaponised, betrayals normalised and violence hired as an instrument of political advancement. False promises are preached openly while even some who claim the name of Christ participate in darkness while appearing righteous in public.
The crisis confronting Nigeria today is not merely political. It is profoundly spiritual. The problem is not only political parties, electoral institutions or politicians. The deeper issue is the condition of the human heart itself. God is therefore calling Nigeria to repentance.
The Scripture declares in Proverbs 14:34: “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.”
Israel once believed religious ceremonies alone could preserve national security while injustice filled the land. Yet through the prophet Amos, God declared: “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24).
The danger in Nigeria today is that many desire church without repentance, prayers without justice, fasting without holiness and political power without accountability. God does not bless fraudulent leadership merely because leaders publicly mention His name.
A politician may kneel in church and still stand condemned before heaven. A pastor may endorse evil and still lose spiritual authority. A delegate may collect money and still destroy the future of generations. A youth may become an instrument of violence and still face eternal judgment unless there is repentance.
Sin of selling conscience
Judas Iscariot sold Jesus Christ for thirty pieces of silver. In the same manner, Nigeria continues to suffer because many have sold conscience for temporary gain.
Modern forms of betrayal now include vote-buying, manipulation of electoral figures, ethnic favouritism, religious hatred, political violence, false accusations, the buying of delegates, destruction of opponents through lies, the use of thugs and cult groups and the weaponisation of poverty.
When counting officers deliberately alter numbers, they are not merely committing political offences; they are rebelling against God who is Truth.
Jesus Christ declared in John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
To manipulate the truth is, therefore, to attack the very character of God Himself.
Nigeria has also suffered deeply because politicians frequently manipulate religion and ethnicity for political power. Communities become divided, churches and mosques become political battlegrounds and human beings created in God’s image become instruments of hatred.
The Church must reject tribal supremacy, ethnic arrogance, regional hostility and religious manipulation. The kingdom of God is bigger than tribe and political party. The blood of Christ did not flow only for one ethnic group.
As Apostle Paul declared in Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek… for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”
The Nigerian church must therefore stop baptising corruption simply because the corrupt individual belongs to “our side.”
The Bible repeatedly condemns dishonest measurements and false balances. Proverbs 11:1 clearly states: “A false balance is abomination to the Lord.”
When figures are manipulated openly during party primaries or elections, heaven sees it. When individuals deliberately inflate tallies, suppress results, or intimidate honest counting officers, it is not merely political strategy. It is sin.
Some celebrate after rigging elections because they believe power guarantees safety. Yet Scripture warns in Numbers 32:23: “Be sure your sin will find you out.”
No nation can continuously build upon deception and expect peace.
The Church, the prophetic voice
The Church in Nigerian must never become a department of political propaganda. The Church is called to be light in darkness, conscience to the nation, defender of truth, refuge for the oppressed and a voice for righteousness.
John the Baptist rebuked Herod. Nathan confronted David. Elijah confronted Ahab. The early Church resisted corrupt systems despite persecution. Silence in the face of evil can easily become participation in evil itself.
Pastors must, therefore, stop fearing wealthy politicians more than they fear God.
Modern society often dislikes preaching about judgment. Yet, Jesus Himself repeatedly warned about hell and eternal accountability. The Holy Bible teaches clearly that there will be a final judgment before God.
Revelation 20:15 declares: “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
Hell is not reserved only for murderers or occultists. Scripture also warns that liars, oppressors, lovers of evil, workers of injustice and the unrepentant will face divine judgment.
This message, however, is not intended to produce fear without hope, but repentance that leads to salvation. God’s mercy remains available.
When Jesus looked upon Jerusalem, He wept. Nigeria too needs tears of repentance — from politicians, pastors, youth, businessmen, security agents, judges, delegates and ordinary citizens alike.
True national healing will not come merely through slogans or political party changes. Nigeria needs moral rebirth, spiritual awakening, justice, truth, accountability,
and the fear of God.
Micah 6:8 summarises God’s requirement: “To do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.”
Hope for national healing
Politicians must remember that power is temporary while the soul is eternal. No individual should sacrifice eternity merely for political office.
Delegates and voters must refuse to sell the future of their children for temporary gifts and financial inducements. Youth must reject being used as instruments of violence and destruction.
Pastors and church leaders must preach truth without compromise. They must not commercialise prophecy or endorse evil for financial gain. The church itself must continue to pray, vote wisely, pursue justice and disciple society in righteousness.
Despite the nation’s present troubles, Nigeria is not beyond redemption. God can still heal the land if there is genuine repentance.
The promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14 remains relevant today: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
Nigeria does not merely need new politicians; she needs transformed hearts. The church must become salt again. The nation must return to truth again. Leaders must fear God again.
Without righteousness, power becomes destruction. Without truth, democracy becomes theatre. Without repentance, judgment awaits both nations and individuals.
But through Christ there remains forgiveness, renewal, restoratio, and hope for Nigeria.
Rev Prof John Brown Okwii, the
Serving Pastor, Assemblies of God Nigeria, Hwolshe Branch, opposite Model Academy, near Plateau State Polytechnic, Jos Campus, along Yakubu Gowon Way, writes via johnbrownokwii@gmail.com