By Kelechi Mbah,Abuja
All Saints’ Day: Fr Idoko Urges Nigerians to Embrace Integrity Ahead of 2027 Elections
The priest of St Gabriel Chaplaincy, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Durumi, Abuja, Rev. Fr. Boniface Idoko, has urged Nigerians to embrace integrity, reject corruption and participate actively in credible elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Fr. Idoko made the call during his Sunday homily on November 1, 2026, while reflecting on the Solemnity of All Saints, where he emphasised that holiness was a vocation for every Christian, irrespective of social status, profession or position in the Church.
He said the celebration was not limited to canonised saints whose names appeared on the Church’s calendar but also included countless faithful Christians who lived righteous lives and remained committed to God until death.
According to him, sainthood is not reserved for priests, bishops or religious leaders, as teachers, farmers, students, civil servants, politicians, traders and other members of society can equally become saints through faithful Christian living.
Explaining the significance of the biblical readings, the priest said the vision of a great multitude from every nation, tribe and language demonstrated that holiness transcended nationality, race, colour and social status.
He described the Beatitudes as a practical roadmap to sainthood, noting that true greatness was measured by love, humility, mercy, justice and faithfulness rather than wealth, political connections, power and social recognition.
Fr. Idoko also explained that holiness was a continuous journey requiring Christians to allow God’s grace to transform their lives, adding that the saints were ordinary people who experienced difficulties, made mistakes and depended on God’s grace to overcome their weaknesses.
He challenged Christians to examine the legacies they were building, urging them to prioritise generosity, integrity and goodness over wealth, political positions and popularity.
Addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic and political challenges, the cleric expressed concern that despite the country’s strong religious identity and the proliferation of churches and prayer houses, corruption, insecurity, kidnapping, terrorism, injustice, poverty, examination malpractice and abuse of public office remained widespread.
He said Nigeria needed more people who would demonstrate the values of Christianity through their daily conduct rather than merely increasing religious activities.
“Nigeria does not need more religious activities. It needs people who will live saintly lives,” he said.
The priest called for integrity among politicians, teachers, farmers, commercial drivers, traders, civil servants and other professionals, stressing that national transformation must begin with individuals and not be left solely to political leaders or Church authorities.
Citing Matthew 5:16, which encourages Christians to let their light shine before others, he said the country would become better if citizens demonstrated honesty and responsibility in their respective positions.
On the 2027 general elections, Fr. Idoko urged Christians, particularly young people, to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the electoral process.
He condemned vote-buying and the acceptance of financial inducements in exchange for political support, recounting an encounter with a young man who reportedly expressed political support after receiving ₦5,000 during a campaign.
He warned that allowing money to influence electoral decisions undermined democratic values and encouraged political manipulation.
The cleric also challenged Nigerians who believed their votes would not count to reconsider their positions, arguing that politicians would not spend enormous resources on campaigns if voters were irrelevant to the electoral process.
He urged Christians to make political choices based on genuine convictions and the common good rather than personal benefits or partisan sentiments.
Fr. Idoko further called on Nigerians to reject the attitude of indifference towards wrongdoing, stressing that citizens must demonstrate the courage to support what is right, even when others remain silent.
He emphasised that nation-building was a collective responsibility and urged privileged Nigerians not to ignore the difficulties faced by other citizens.
The priest concluded by praying for the intercession of the saints and God’s grace to strengthen Christians to practise the Beatitudes and remain faithful to their Christian calling.
