Abia State Governor Alex Otti called on Christians, faith-based groups and other concerned Nigerians to dive into politics, arguing that passivity has fueled the country’s chronic leadership woes.
Speaking at the Transforming Church International’s ADVANCE Workers, Pastors and Leaders Conference in Lagos, Governor Otti delivered a keynote titled “The Role of the Church in Societal Transformation.”
He warned that leaving governance to chance perpetuates Nigeria’s challenges, as reluctance to engage—often because politics is seen as “dirty”—has handed power to the unqualified.
“While many people view politics as dirty, it remains a powerful tool for shaping leadership outcomes and influencing the direction of society,” Governor Otti said.
“Those who desire good governance must be willing to participate actively in the political process rather than remain passive.”
Governor Otti defined societal transformation as “deep structural change in a society’s values, institutions, systems and behavior which leads to improved wellbeing, justice, and sustainable development.” He outlined three pillars: a radical shift in values—“no society rises above the values it tolerates and rewards”—accountable leadership and robust institutions.
The governor pressed churches to shift from short-term welfare to empowerment programs fostering self-reliance, pointing to his Alex Otti Foundation’s decade-old cooperatives and revolving loans as a blueprint. He urged faith groups to promote voter registration and back candidates embodying Christian values like honesty.
Politics isn’t inherently corrupt, Otti contended, but is tainted by bad actors. “The only way to get out those who bring dirty behaviour into politics is for men of integrity, honour, verifiable track record of success with second addresses, who don’t see politics as a career but a call to service to join politics,” he said.
Prayer alone won’t suffice, he added. “As church leaders, we should cooperate with God not to deny the younger generation of Christians the opportunities and blessings of good governance.”
Otti highlighted his administration’s ties with faith groups, including a $1 million MRI machine donation from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for Abia State’s health sector. He closed with a Bertolt Brecht quote decrying political apathy.
The conference drew clergy and leaders from denominations nationwide.
