‘Not Voting in Elections Is a Sin’ — CAN Chairman Warns Christians

• “Not voting is a sin,” CAN Chairman Rev. Dr. Sunday Emma says, urging Christians and all eligible Nigerians to register, vote, and ensure elections are decided at the polling unit—not the courtroom.

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Nasarawa State, Rev. Dr. Sunday Emma, has urged Christians and other eligible Nigerians to actively participate in elections, declaring that “not exercising your franchise is even a sin.”

Speaking with journalists in Lafia while reflecting on recent elections, Emma said believers have both a biblical and civic responsibility to vote, stressing that democracy can only thrive when citizens play their part.

“Once an election is scheduled, you are expected to go out and exercise your franchise. Not exercising your franchise is even a sin, and that must be understood. When you vote and someone somewhere decides to abuse the process, you have played your part, and God will reward you,” he said.

The cleric also encouraged Nigerians to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), urging those who are yet to register not to miss the opportunity.

“People should not give up by saying their votes will not count or that the winner has already been decided. Some of those perceptions may exist, but we can change the situation if we all participate,” he added.

Emma lamented the country’s leadership challenges, arguing that apathy at the polls only allows poor governance to persist.

“If we give up, we are allowing the wrong things to continue. When bad leadership persists, the consequences are complaints, hunger, poor education, inadequate healthcare and underdevelopment,” he said.

The CAN chairman further expressed hope that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would conduct free and fair elections but cautioned against a system where electoral outcomes are determined in court rather than at polling units.

“We do not want a situation where elections are won in the courtroom instead of at the polling unit. Elections should be decided by the votes cast by the people,” he stated.

Emma also called on judicial officers to remain impartial and commended the Nasarawa State Government, as well as the collaboration between CAN and the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), for promoting peace and religious harmony in the state.