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As preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections, the Presiding Bishop and Pastor-General of Rhema Christian Church & Towers, Archbishop Taiwo Akinola, has challenged political leaders to place the welfare of Nigerians above personal ambition, insisting that the credibility of democracy must be measured by tangible improvements in citizens’ living conditions.
Akinola, who addressed journalists at Champion Peace Cathedral, along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Temidire, Sango-Ota, Ogun State, on Tuesday, demanded transparent elections, accountable leadership and urgent measures to tackle insecurity, unemployment, rising living costs, inadequate healthcare and drug abuse.
“The true measure of political leadership is not the volume of campaign promises but the tangible improvement in citizens’ lives,” he declared.
The cleric said Nigeria’s abundant human and material resources should translate into better living conditions, rather than leave millions of citizens struggling to meet basic needs.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties, candidates and civil society organisations to ensure peaceful, inclusive and credible elections, warning against vote-buying, intimidation, electoral violence, religious manipulation and misinformation.
Akinola also encouraged young people and senior citizens to complete the necessary voter registration procedures, obtain their Permanent Voter Cards where applicable and participate responsibly in the democratic process.
While insisting that the Church must remain non-partisan, he maintained that religious institutions had a responsibility to speak on issues of justice, integrity and good governance.
“The Church must remain non-partisan but never indifferent to justice, truth, and good governance,” he said, stressing that religious leaders should educate consciences rather than dictate political choices.
On the economy, the bishop urged the government to introduce measures to ease the burden of food, transportation, housing, electricity, education and healthcare costs on households.
Citing figures attributed to the National Bureau of Statistics, Akinola said headline inflation moderated to 14.63 per cent in September 2026 from 15.39 per cent in August, while annual food inflation stood at 19.59 per cent. He cautioned that a slower rate of price increases did not necessarily mean that the cost of living had fallen, urging policymakers to pay greater attention to the purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians.
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The cleric also cited reported second-quarter 2026 economic growth of 4.43 per cent year-on-year, arguing that positive macroeconomic indicators must be accompanied by improvements in employment, household incomes and access to essential services.
He called for stronger domestic production, improved agricultural storage and transportation, targeted social protection and transparent public spending, while demanding fair remuneration for workers and timely payment of pensions.
The press conference also featured the announcement of Rhema World Convention 2026, scheduled for November 1 to 8 at Champion Peace Cathedral, Sango-Ota, as part of activities marking the church’s 35th anniversary.
With the theme, “More Than Conquerors,” drawn from Romans 8:37, the convention will feature worship, biblical teaching, prayers and ministrations by invited clerics, including Bishops Tunde Akin-Akinsanya, Ayoola Olubusuyi, Israel Alaya and Adesina Olufade.
Sessions are scheduled for 6am, 10am and 5pm daily, while a special Hosanna Night of Power and Praise will hold on Friday, November 6, at 9pm.
The grand finale on Sunday, November 8, will feature Holy Communion, thanksgiving, special impartation and commissioning.
Explaining the relevance of the convention’s theme to Nigeria’s political and economic situation, Akinola said the message of being “More Than Conquerors” should inspire courage, responsible leadership, civic participation and practical action against national challenges.
He reaffirmed the church’s commitment to promoting integrity, compassion and responsible citizenship.
“There is hope for the Church, and there is hope for Nigeria,” he declared, urging political leaders to place public interest above personal ambition and citizens to demand accountable governance.
