The Christ Apostolic Church (Supreme Council), Nigeria and Overseas, has demanded the establishment of state police and credible conduct of the 2027 general elections as a panacea to insecurity and democratic consolidation in Nigeria.

The President of the church, Pastor Henry Ojo, made the call on Monday while declaring open the 2026 Pastors’ Conference and Convention at the church’s prayer ground, Alasepe, Ikire, Osun State.

The week-long conference, holding from Monday 21 to Sunday 27 September, is themed “Healthy Shepherd, Healthy Church”, with a focus on church growth and development.

Delivering his presidential address, Ojo lamented that Nigeria faces complex security threats, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal conflicts that disrupt daily life and the economy.

He faulted the highly centralised Nigeria Police Force for its inability to provide swift, localised response, and called for state police to bring law enforcement closer to communities through local knowledge of geography, culture and intelligence.

Speaking on the 2027 elections, the CAC President described the polls as crucial to reinforcing democratic governance. He stressed that free and fair elections, free from intimidation, manipulation and discrimination, are vital.

He charged the Independent National Electoral Commission to remain impartial, transparent and professionally prepared in the deployment of materials, technology, voter accreditation and results management.

The cleric noted that low turnout in the 2023 presidential election underscored the need for greater civic participation, warning that insecurity could discourage voters in 2027.

Ojo urged security agencies to protect voters, officials and materials without interfering with INEC’s independence, and enjoined political parties to shun violence, hate speech and vote buying.

He called on eligible voters to obtain voter cards and vote according to conscience, while civil society, religious groups, traditional leaders and the media must promote voter education.

Speaking on the economy and judiciary, Ojo urged the government to support farmers with inputs and credit to boost food security, invest in vocational training and SMEs for job creation, manage resources prudently and provide transparent support for vulnerable groups.

He identified corruption, political interference, prolonged litigation and poor facilities as challenges facing the judiciary, advocating merit-based appointments, digitalisation of court processes, strict sanctions for misconduct and improved welfare for judicial officers.

“This event is aimed at igniting fresh fire and vision through prayer, preaching, teaching and discipleship. The gathering is not just another routine annual programme, but an intentional, Spirit-led divine appointment.

“Establishment of state police as a solution to bring law enforcement closer to communities, arguing that local forces would leverage deeper knowledge of regional geography, traditions and intelligence to improve emergency response times and community cooperation.

“2027 general elections is a crucial opportunity to reinforce democratic governance and advance national development. Free and fair elections are vital to ensure citizens elect leaders transparently, free from intimidation, manipulation or discrimination.

“Corruption and unethical conduct among judicial officers, undue influence and political interference, prolonged litigation and unnecessary adjournments, and inadequate facilities and poor working conditions are challenges undermining justice”, he concluded.

Earlier, the General Superintendent, Pastor James Onagwa, in his welcome address, thanked God for the safe arrival of ministers from across Nigeria and overseas despite security and economic challenges.

Onagwa said a healthy church requires healthy shepherds, noting that leaders must prioritise spiritual health, moral integrity and emotional balance.

He said the 2026 edition is designed to refresh, refill, realign and equip pastors to overcome exhaustion, seek fresh filling of the Holy Spirit, refocus on divine purpose, and develop biblical knowledge and pastoral skills for faithful service amid modern complexities.

“A vibrant church cannot stem from spiritually unhealthy shepherds, for a church to grow according to God’s purpose, its leaders must first prioritize their own spiritual health, moral integrity and emotional balance to avoid causing the flock to suffer.” (Nigerian Tribune)