The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency, Hon. Segun Dokun Odebunmi, has urged Christians to actively participate in politics and governance, saying the withdrawal of righteous people from politics has contributed to the corruption often associated with the profession.
Odebunmi made the call while delivering a keynote address titled “Christianity and Political Participation” at the Irepodun Baptist Association meeting held at Ile-Abu Oloye First Baptist Church.
The former house of Reps member challenged the long-held belief among some Christians that politics is inherently dirty and should therefore be avoided, stressing that politics itself is not sinful.
According to him, “If politics is dirty, it is because righteous people abandoned it,” urging Christians to see political participation as an opportunity to influence policies, promote justice and serve humanity.
Citing Proverbs 29:2, which says, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice,” Odebunmi said Christians should not abandon the political space to people whose values conflict with the principles of justice and integrity.
He noted that politics is a tool for making laws and distributing public resources, adding that acts such as stealing, lying and oppression constitute sin regardless of the profession where they occur.
The APC candidate also cited biblical figures including Daniel, David, Joseph and Esther as examples of people who occupied influential positions in government while maintaining their faith and principles.
Odebunmi further advised Christians seeking elective office to first build financial independence through legitimate businesses and professional careers, saying economic stability could help them resist pressure to engage in corrupt practices.
Speaking from his own experience with Bunvic Oil & Gas, he said: “When you aren’t hungry, you can comfortably say no to corrupt offers.”
He also urged young believers to prepare spiritually and professionally, maintain accountability to trusted spiritual authorities and regard public office as a responsibility to God and the people rather than a source of personal wealth.
Odebunmi stressed that Christians should see parliament, local councils and state houses of assembly as mission fields where they could demonstrate the values of integrity, justice and service.
He concluded by urging believers to stop merely condemning societal darkness and instead become actively involved in the places where policies and decisions affecting society are made.
“We must stop cursing the darkness and start shining our light where policies are made. If not us, then who? If not now, then when?” he said.
