Nigeria: The Church, Political Correctness, and Segregated Leadership

 Introduction: Àgbájọ ọwọ́ la fi ń sọ̀yà, ọwọ́ kan ò fi gbé igbá dé orí

"It takes collective effort to accomplish significant tasks; one hand alone cannot lift a calabash onto the head."

This timeless Yoruba proverb captures one of life's most profound truths: great achievements are rarely the product of individual effort alone. In traditional Yoruba society, placing a loaded calabash (igbá) on a person's head often required the use of both hands or the assistance of another person. The proverb teaches that cooperation achieves what individual effort cannot; community is stronger than isolation; success often depends on mutual support; and unity makes difficult tasks easier.

The lesson extends beyond the family and community. It applies equally to leadership, ministry, business, and nation-building. Communities, organizations, and nations flourish when people work together toward a common purpose. No matter how gifted, influential, or powerful an individual may be, certain accomplishments can only be achieved through the support and contributions of others.

Some time ago, while watching a wildlife documentary on StarTimes television, I observed a scene that reinforced this truth. A pride of lions lay in wait as thousands of buffaloes moved across the plains. When the herd came within striking distance, the lionesses launched their attack. Rather than targeting a specific buffalo initially, they charged into the herd, causing confusion and scattering the animals in different directions. Amid the chaos, the lions identified a vulnerable buffalo that had become separated from the group. Working together with remarkable coordination, they pursued, overwhelmed, and captured it. The meal for the pride was secured.

As I reflected on that scene, my thoughts turned to the troubling realities confronting Nigeria today—terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, corruption, electoral malpractice, injustice, and widespread economic insecurity. Just as the buffaloes became vulnerable when they scattered, a divided society becomes easy prey for forces that seek to exploit its weaknesses. Where there are disunity, confusion, rivalry, self-interest, and lack of collective purpose, the enemies of progress find fertile ground.

The lesson is clear: what appears impossible for one person becomes achievable when people unite around a common purpose. Unity strengthens, while division weakens. Collaboration builds, while competition for supremacy destroys.

It is therefore troubling when influential leaders, particularly within the Christian faith, promote sentiments that encourage denominational superiority rather than Kingdom unity. Christianity was never intended to be a competition among denominations. The Church of Jesus Christ is one body with many members, called to complement rather than conquer one another.

At a time when Nigeria faces enormous social, moral, and security challenges, the need is not for denominational empire-building but for collective responsibility, mutual respect, and united action. The Yoruba proverb remains as relevant today as ever: Àgbájọ ọwọ́ la fi ń sọ̀yà, ọwọ́ kan ò gbé igbá dé orí. The burdens confronting our nation are too heavy for any individual, denomination, ethnic group, or institution to carry alone.

The Paradox of a Religious Nation

Nigeria is often described as one of the most religious nations in the world. Churches are filled every week. Prayer Mountains attract multitudes. Religious programmes dominate television and radio broadcasts. Yet despite this overwhelming religious presence, the nation continues to struggle with corruption, injustice, nepotism, tribalism, bad governance, insecurity, and leadership crises.

This contradiction raises a difficult but necessary question:

Has the Church become politically correct instead of prophetically courageous?

Political correctness occurs when people avoid speaking truth because they fear losing popularity, influence, financial benefits, access to power, or social acceptance.

Segregated leadership occurs when opportunities, appointments, and positions are distributed based on tribe, family connections, wealth, denominational affiliation, or personal loyalty rather than competence, character, integrity, and divine calling.

Sadly, these problems are no longer confined to politics; they have also found expression within the Church.

God Rejects Partiality and Segregation

James warned believers:

"My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality." (James 2:1)

He further declared:

"But if you show partiality, you commit sin." (James 2:9)

God is not tribal. God is not denominational. God is not a respecter of social class. Heaven does not operate on the basis of ethnicity, wealth, political influence, or family pedigree.

Whenever the Church elevates these distinctions above righteousness, it departs from God's standard.

The Church and the Sin of Political Correctness

Throughout Scripture, God's prophets were never politically correct.

Nathan confronted David.

Elijah confronted Ahab.

Micaiah confronted false prophets.

John the Baptist confronted Herod.

They understood that truth must never bow before power.

Today many church leaders avoid difficult conversations because they fear offending politicians, wealthy members, denominational leaders, or influential personalities. Consequently, corruption is tolerated, injustice is excused, and evil becomes normalized.

Isaiah described such leaders as watchmen who cannot bark when danger approaches.

 "His watchmen are blind; they are all ignorant;
They are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark;
Sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.
¹¹ Yes, they are greedy dogs which never have enough.
And they are shepherds who cannot understand;
They all look to their own way, everyone for his own gain,
From his own territory." Isaiah 56:10-11

The Church was never called to be an echo of society. It was called to be its conscience.

However, prophetic ministry must not be confused with partisan politics. The Church must remain prophetically independent—neither controlled by politicians nor transformed into a political party. Its loyalty must remain with truth and righteousness regardless of who occupies public office.

Nigeria's Crisis of Segregated Leadership:

One of the most dangerous trends in contemporary Nigeria is the increasing segregation of leadership opportunities.

In many sectors, leadership is no longer viewed as stewardship but as entitlement.

In Politics: 

Appointments are frequently influenced by ethnicity, political loyalty, family relationships, or patronage networks rather than competence and capacity.

In Religious Institutions:

Leadership positions are sometimes influenced by family inheritance, personal loyalty, financial contributions, or denominational politics rather than spiritual maturity and divine calling.

In Business;

Employment opportunities may be distributed through connections rather than merit.

In Professional Bodies:

Leadership contests are occasionally shaped by vested interests, power blocs, and entitlement syndromes rather than professionalism and competence.

Yet God's pattern remains different.

Joseph rose through competence.

David rose through character.

Daniel rose through excellence.

Esther rose through divine purpose.

Leadership is not inheritance; leadership is stewardship.

A nation that rewards entitlement above competence eventually pays a heavy price.

Tribalism and Denominational Segregation:

The Church should be the greatest example of unity, yet many believers remain divided by tribe, region, denomination, and personality cults.

Some Christians support individuals simply because they belong to the same ethnic group.

Others defend wrongdoing because it is committed by someone from their denomination.

Galatians 3:28 reminds us that our identity in Christ transcends earthly distinctions.

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus Galatians 3:28."

When tribal loyalty becomes stronger than Kingdom loyalty, division follows.

The Church cannot heal a divided nation while remaining divided itself.

"I Am of Paul, I Am of Apollos"

One of the greatest challenges confronting both Nigeria and the Church is factional loyalty.

The Corinthian believers began identifying themselves by leaders rather than by Christ:

"I am of Paul."

"I am of Apollos."

"I am of Cephas."

Paul immediately asked:

"Is Christ divided?" (1 Corinthians 1:13)

The problem was not Paul or Apollos. The problem was misplaced loyalty.

Today we hear similar declarations:

"I belong to this denomination."

"I belong to that movement."

"I belong to this political party."

"I belong to that ethnic group."

People defend wrongdoing because it is committed by "their own."

Truth becomes secondary.

Righteousness becomes negotiable.

Accountability disappears.

Whenever loyalty to a person becomes greater than loyalty to truth, corruption becomes inevitable.

The Church must return to the principle that Christ alone is the Head of the Church.

The Danger of Denominational Superiority:

Another growing danger is denominational supremacy.

Some Christians behave as though God belongs exclusively to their denomination. At times, as written earlier, influential leaders make declarations implying that all other Christians will eventually bow before, submit to, or become part of their particular movement.

Such sentiments may excite followers, but they contradict the spirit of Christ.

The mission of the Church is not to make people bow before a denomination.

The mission of the Church is to bring people to Christ.

John the Baptist understood this principle when he declared:

"He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30)

The true measure of ministry is not how many people belong to a denomination but how many belong to Christ.

Whenever a denomination seeks its own glory above Christ's glory, spiritual pride begins to replace humility.

The Church must reject empire-building and embrace Kingdom-building.

Our prayer should never be:

"Lord, make everybody join our denomination."

Rather, it should be:

"Lord, let every knee bow before Jesus Christ."

"He That Is Not Against Us Is For Us"

The disciples once complained because someone outside their group was casting out demons in Jesus' name.

"Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.”
³⁹ But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. ⁴⁰ For he who is not against us is on our side." Mark 9:38-40

Reread Jesus reply:

"Forbid him not... for he that is not against us is on our part." 

This statement challenges denominational rivalry.

Many churches spend more time competing with one another than confronting sin and advancing the Gospel.

The Kingdom of God is larger than any denomination, ministry, or movement.

Where Christ is preached, biblical truth is upheld, and lives are transformed, believers should rejoice rather than compete.

Nigeria's challenges are too great for a divided Church.

The Church must learn cooperation without compromising biblical truth.

The Believer's Responsibility:

Before criticizing politicians, church leaders, or institutions, every believer must engage in personal self-examination.

Many condemn corruption while offering bribes.

Many condemn tribalism while practicing it.

Many condemn favoritism while benefiting from it.

Many criticize leadership failures while refusing personal accountability.

National transformation begins with personal transformation.

A corrupt society cannot consistently produce righteous leadership.

The revival Nigeria needs must begin in individual hearts before it can influence institutions.

The Cost of Silence:

Silence has consequences.

Many of Nigeria's present challenges grew because people refused to speak when it mattered.

The Church must not remain silent concerning:

• Corruption
• Electoral manipulation
• Oppression
• Nepotism
• Injustice
• Abuse of power
• Leadership failure

Silence in the face of evil often strengthens evil.

The prophetic voice of the Church must be restored.

The Way Forward:

If Nigeria is to experience genuine transformation, several changes are necessary:

1. The Church must prioritize Kingdom unity above denominational rivalry.
2. Leadership positions should be based on competence, integrity, and character rather than tribe, wealth, or family connections.
3. Believers must develop courage to speak truth without fear or favoritism.
4. The Church must maintain prophetic independence from political influence.
5. Christians must reject personality cults and focus on Christ.
6. National institutions must reward merit rather than entitlement.
7. Every citizen must embrace personal responsibility and integrity.

Only when these principles are embraced can meaningful national renewal occur.

Conclusion:

Nigeria does not merely need economic reforms or political reforms.

Nigeria needs moral and spiritual renewal.

A politically correct Church cannot transform a corrupt society.

A segregated leadership structure cannot produce national greatness.

A divided Church cannot heal a divided nation.

The Church must reject favoritism, tribalism, denominational supremacy, personality cults, inherited entitlement, and every form of segregation that undermines justice and competence.

We must move from:

"I am of Paul."

"I am of Apollos."

to:

"We are of Christ."

We must move from denominational competition to Kingdom cooperation.

We must move from tribal loyalty to Kingdom loyalty.

We must move from inherited entitlement to responsible stewardship.

We must move from political correctness to prophetic courage.

Only then can the Church become the light and salt that Nigeria desperately needs.

Only then can we truly live the wisdom contained in the Yoruba proverb:

Àgbájọ ọwọ́ la fi ń sọ̀yà, ọwọ́ kan ò gbé igbá dé orí.

Nigeria's burdens are too heavy for isolated individuals, competing denominations, ethnic blocs, or personality cults to carry alone. Through unity of purpose, righteousness, competence, courage, and submission to Christ, the calabash can yet be lifted and securely placed upon our collective head.

Prayer

Father, forgive us for every form of division, pride, tribalism, denominational superiority, favoritism, entitlement, and silence in the face of evil. Restore courage to Your Church. Unite believers around the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Raise leaders of integrity, competence, and humility in Nigeria. Let righteousness exalt our nation and let Your Kingdom come in our land. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.