Ahead of the 2027 presidential and general elections, former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that what Nigeria as a country requires amidst the challenges is focused leadership.

Speaking on the nature of insecurity with massive killing and wanton destruction of property, Jonathan, who lamented that there was no longer morality among some persons in the land, said that Nigerians have accepted killings as normal with insecurity, killings and violence in Nigeria, warning that the country is gradually losing its moral values and sense of humanity.

Speaking on Saturday at the first session of the 13th Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Abuja held at St James Anglican Church, Asokoro, with the theme “The Priesthood of All Believers: Equipping God’s People for the Work of Ministry,” Jonathan called for national reflection, spiritual renewal and responsible leadership amid the country’s worsening social and security challenges.

The former President, who noted that many Nigerians have become desensitised to bloodshed and destruction, unlike in the past when tragic incidents provoked national outrage and collective grief, said, “As someone who has spent many years in public life and politics, I must confess that moments like this provide an opportunity for sober reflection on the state of our society.

“When we look around today, particularly at the challenges confronting our country, it is easy to become discouraged. Violence, insecurity, moral decline, and the loss of human values have become deeply troubling realities.

“What is even more painful is how society sometimes appears to normalise these tragedies as though they are ordinary occurrences. In times past, such incidents would shake the conscience of the nation.

“Today, people are killed, communities are destroyed, and life seems to continue as though nothing has happened. This ought not to be so. It is a reminder that society desperately needs moral direction, spiritual guidance, and a restoration of values.”

Jonathan, who emphasised that the Church remains crucial in shaping society and upholding moral standards, urged religious leaders to continue speaking the truth and defending righteousness.

The former President, who warned about the growing influence of negative values through technology and modern information systems, saying many harmful behaviours are now glorified in society, said, “That is why the role of the Church remains indispensable. The Church must continue to stand as the conscience of society, speaking truth, defending righteousness, and shaping lives through faith and godly example.

“The influence of modern technology and information systems, though beneficial in many ways, has also contributed to the spread of negative values where wrong is sometimes celebrated more than good. This is not the future we should desire for our children and generations yet unborn.”

On leadership and nation-building, the former President emphasised the importance of integrity and courage in public service.

“Permit me to also say that leadership matters greatly in moments like this. Society progresses when men and women of integrity, courage, and vision stand in the right places and speak the truth. We must continue to pray for our leaders, encourage one another, and work collectively for peace, justice, and national renewal,” Jonathan said.

He expressed appreciation to the organisers for the invitation and prayed for God’s continued guidance upon the Church and the nation.

In his presentation, the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Henry Ndukuba, asked the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Joash Amupitan and his Resident Electoral Commissioners to demonstrate neutrality in the forthcoming 2027 Presidential and general elections, while encouraging Nigerians, especially Christians, to participate actively in politics and nation-building.

Ndukuba criticised politicians for focusing more on power struggles ahead of the 2027 elections instead of governance and citizens’ welfare, just as he warned that the persistent weaponisation of ethnicity and religion remains a major driver of insecurity across the country.

“Responsible participation by people of integrity is necessary for national transformation,” he stated, adding that the Church would continue to pray and work for peace, justice, and prosperity in Nigeria.

Ndukuba, who took a swipe at the huge borrowing by the Federal Government, said that the public debt profile of N159. 28 trillion is worrisome, as he complained about unstable electricity supply, and the management of crude oil resources.

He called for transparency and policies that would directly benefit citizens, adding that Nigeria is bleeding following repeated cases of terrorism in the country, just as he called on Nigerians not to lose hope despite the country’s economic and security challenges.

He said, “The Monetary Policy and Impact of Nigerian Debt Burden: The naira has stabilised around N1,380/$ as of the end of April 2026, and external reserves now stand at $48.65b as of mid-April 2026. The gap between the official and parallel Forex markets has narrowed significantly due to recent policy actions. However, public debt at N159.28 trillion is a concern. We urge fiscal authorities to exercise discipline and ensure the timely release of capital budget funds. Although the Monetary Policy Rate was cut slightly from 27% to 26.5%, lending rates remain high, hurting productivity and growth. Power supply is still a major bottleneck. Without reliable electricity, Nigeria’s $1 trillion economy target is out of reach.

“While policymakers argue that the 2023 reforms, subsidy removal, Fore unification, and monetary tightening are finally yielding results, the reality for most households and ordinary citizens feels different. With 133 milhion out of 220million Nigerians in multidimensional poverty, macro gains have not reached the citizens on the streets. The link between macroeconomic stability and household relief remains disconnected.

“Crude Oil Politics: Global oil prices have spiked due to the Iran-US-Israel conflict, pushing up the costs of goods and services in Nigeria. Unlike other oil producers, Nigeria has not benefited from the windfall because the regime of her pre-sold crude. Secondly, one considers that the politics surrounding Crude Oil sales and Dangote’s Refinery should be handled in the interest of Nigerians. Thirdly, the recent handover of the National Refineries to China must be reconsidered so that some are given to competent Nigerians who will plough back their gains into Nigeria, rather than allow China to loot our oil, as they have done in the Solid Minerais sector.”

The cleric who condemned the continued killings, attacks, and displacement of communities in parts of the country, especially in Plateau State, Benue State, Kaduna State, and other affected states, commended the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, and local security groups, but stressed that security strategies must be improved.

He said, “Nigeria is bleeding, and innocent lives continue to be lost daily,” warning against the misuse of ethnic and religious differences to fuel violence.

Ndukuba said that the Church remained confident that God would preserve Nigeria and guide the nation through difficult times.

Quoting from Scripture, he said, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God,” while urging citizens to continue praying and working for national peace and unity.

The Primate, who appreciated President Bola Tinubu for efforts to stabilise the economy through ongoing reforms, however, noted that although some economic indicators were improving, millions of Nigerians were still struggling with high living costs, unemployment, inflation, and poverty.

According to him, “The macroeconomic gains have not yet reached ordinary Nigerians.”

Ndukuba called for stronger investment in agriculture, manufacturing, and youth employment to drive economic growth and reduce hardship across the country.

He also raised concerns over increasing drug abuse and criminal activities among young people, describing it as a growing threat to the nation’s future.

In his welcome address, Former Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Nicholas Okoh, who called on Christians and Church leaders to remain committed to God’s purpose despite the challenges facing society, said that Christians are chosen by God to bring hope, peace, and positive change to the world.

Quoting from the First Epistle of Peter, he said believers are “a chosen generation” and warned that “anytime the Church loses sight of its assignment, it begins to lose relevance.”

Okoh also stressed the importance of unity, prayer, and good leadership in both the Church and the nation, urging Christians to continue praying for leaders and to take part responsibly in national affairs, especially as elections approach.

“The Church is part of the nation, and the coming elections will affect the well-being of the people,” he said.

He also praised the peaceful resolution of disagreements within the Church, noting that unity and wise leadership are necessary for progress and growth.

Also speaking, former Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Peter Akinola, described the conference as both symbolic and strategic, particularly at a time when the global Anglican Communion is confronting what he called a “revisionist agenda.”

Akinola said the gathering had continued to leave lasting memories and impact within the Anglican community years after it was held.

He also expressed satisfaction that foreign delegates who attended the conference left Nigeria with a positive impression of the country despite what he described as negative portrayals by sections of the international media.

“It is evident that our foreign delegates departed with a far better impression of Nigeria, contrary to the negative narratives often projected by sections of the foreign media about our beloved nation.

“I remain proud of this achievement and urge you all to keep up the good fight of faith,” he stated.

The event attracted General Yakubu Gowon, Jonathan, Ambassador Godknows Igali, prominent Christian leaders, bishops, clergy, and delegates from different parts of the country.