#disruptivepoliticalinnovation;
Christ’s Kingdom Concept.

As of the latest data available, Nigeria has approximately 93.4 million registered voters. This figure reflects an 11.26% increase from the 84 million registered voters in the 2019 general election. The increase is largely attributed to the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise conducted between June 2021 and July 2022.

In the 2023 Nigerian presidential election, Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) won with 8,794,726 votes, accounting for 36.61% of the total votes. The runners-up were Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who received 6,984,520 votes, and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), who garnered 6,101,533 votes.

A presidential candidate preparing for the 2027 elections in Nigeria should focus on several key strategies to enhance their chances of success:

1. **Building a Strong Political Base**: Establishing and maintaining a robust political network is crucial. This involves strengthening relationships with party members, political allies, and influential stakeholders.

2. **Understanding Voter Concerns**: Conducting surveys and focus groups to understand the key issues and concerns of voters. This will help in crafting a campaign message that resonates with the electorate.

3. **Policy Development**: Developing clear and practical policies that address the pressing issues facing Nigeria, such as economic development, security, healthcare, and education. These policies should be well-documented and communicated to the public.

4. **Grassroots Mobilization**: Engaging with voters at the grassroots level through town hall meetings, community visits, and social media interactions. This helps in building a direct connection with the electorate and understanding their needs.

5. **Media and Public Relations**: Establishing a strong media presence through traditional and social media channels. This includes regular press briefings, interviews, and leveraging social media platforms to reach a broader audience.

6. **Campaign Organization**: Building a competent campaign team that includes strategists, communications experts, and volunteers. This team should be well-coordinated and capable of executing the campaign plan effectively.

7. **Fundraising**: Securing adequate funding for the campaign through donations, fundraisers, and financial contributions from supporters and allies. Financial resources are crucial for campaign activities and outreach efforts.

8. **Voter Education and Mobilization**: Educating voters on the electoral process and the importance of their participation. Mobilizing supporters to register to vote and ensuring they turn out on election day.

9. **Debates and Public Engagements**: Participating in debates and public forums to articulate policies and engage with opponents. This demonstrates transparency and willingness to address public concerns.

10. **Legal and Electoral Compliance**: Ensuring compliance with all electoral laws and regulations set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This includes proper documentation, adherence to campaign finance laws, and addressing any legal challenges promptly.

By focusing on these strategies, a presidential candidate can build a strong foundation for their campaign and increase their chances of winning the election.

Mobilizing Christians to become stakeholders in Nigerian politics involves a multi-faceted approach that leverages religious, social, and political strategies. Here are several effective methods:

1. **Education and Awareness**:
- **Civic Education**: Churches can organize workshops and seminars to educate their members about their civic responsibilities and the importance of participating in politics. This includes understanding the electoral process, the impact of policies, and the role of elected officials.
- **Biblical Teachings**: Relate political engagement to biblical principles, emphasizing stewardship, justice, and the common good. This helps Christians see political participation as part of their faith practice.

2. **Leadership Training**:
- **Leadership Programs**: Establish programs to train potential Christian leaders in political skills, including public speaking, policy analysis, and campaign management.
- **Mentorship**: Encourage experienced Christian politicians to mentor younger members, providing guidance and support for their political ambitions.

3. **Church Involvement**:
- **Political Forums**: Hold forums and debates within church communities where political issues are discussed, and candidates can present their platforms. This helps congregants make informed decisions.
- **Prayer Groups**: Organize prayer groups specifically focused on the nation’s political landscape, asking for wisdom and guidance for leaders and the electorate.

4. **Advocacy and Mobilization**:
- **Social Media Campaigns**: Use social media to reach a wider audience with messages about the importance of political participation. Share information on voter registration, election dates, and candidate profiles.
- **Grassroots Mobilization**: Encourage church members to get involved at the grassroots level by joining local political groups, attending town hall meetings, and participating in community organizing.

5. **Voter Registration Drives**:
- **Registration Initiatives**: Conduct voter registration drives within church premises to ensure that all eligible members are registered to vote.
- **Collaboration with INEC**: Partner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to facilitate easy access to registration materials and information.

6. **Policy Advocacy**:
- **Advocacy Groups**: Form or join advocacy groups that align with Christian values to influence policy decisions. These groups can lobby for issues such as social justice, poverty alleviation, and religious freedom.
- **Engagement with Policymakers**: Engage with policymakers to advocate for policies that benefit the community and reflect Christian values.

7. **Support for Christian Candidates**:
- **Candidate Endorsement**: Endorse and support Christian candidates who demonstrate integrity, competence, and a commitment to public service.
- **Campaign Assistance**: Provide logistical and financial support to Christian candidates, helping them run effective campaigns.

8. **Interdenominational Collaboration**:
- **Unity Among Denominations**: Foster unity among different Christian denominations to create a stronger and more cohesive political influence.
- **Joint Initiatives**: Launch joint political initiatives and campaigns that address common concerns across denominations.

9. **Youth Engagement**:
- **Youth Programs**: Develop programs that specifically target young Christians, encouraging them to engage in politics and leadership roles.
- **Scholarships and Internships**: Offer scholarships and internships for young Christians to study political science, law, and public administration, preparing them for future political roles.

By implementing these strategies, Christians in Nigeria can effectively mobilize their followers and become significant stakeholders in the nation’s political landscape, advocating for policies and leaders that align with their values and contribute to the common good.

What is political intelligence?
Political intelligence refers to the ability to understand and navigate complex political situations, relationships, and dynamics to achieve strategic goals and objectives. It involves:

1. Awareness of political contexts and trends
2. Understanding of power structures and networks
3. Ability to analyze political risks and opportunities
4. Skill in building and maintaining political relationships and alliances
5. Effective communication and negotiation in political settings
6. Ability to anticipate and adapt to political changes and developments

Political intelligence is essential for leaders, policymakers, diplomats, and anyone seeking to influence or navigate political environments, including business, government, and civil society.

It's important to note that political intelligence is not the same as political ideology or party affiliation, but rather a neutral skillset that can be applied across different political contexts and perspectives.

Ogun State in Nigeria operates a political structure with 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and numerous wards within each LGA. Each LGA is further divided into wards for effective governance and representation. The LGAs in Ogun State include Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South, Ado-Odo/Ota, Ewekoro, Ifo, Ijebu East, Ijebu North, Ijebu North East, Ijebu Ode, Ikenne, Imeko Afon, Ipokia, Obafemi Owode, Odeda, Odogbolu, Ogun Waterside, Remo North, Sagamu, Yewa North, and Yewa South. Each LGA has its own administrative and political structures with elected officials representing the interests of the residents at the local level.

The wards within each LGA are designed to bring governance closer to the people, allowing for grassroots participation in decision-making processes. The delineation of wards in Ogun State follows specific criteria considering population distribution, geographical features, and the need for effective representation. With this political structure, residents of Ogun State have the opportunity to participate in local governance through their elected representatives at the ward and LGA levels.


Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area in Ogun State consists of several wards that cater to the representation and governance of the local communities. Here is a list of wards in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area:

1. Abalabi
2. Abatade
3. Abeokuta
4. Abule Ayo
5. Abule Sura
6. Agbede
7. Agbola
8. Agboyin
9. Agunmo
10. Agunrenbi
11. Ajibode
12. Akogun
13. Akute
14. Aseese
15. Atan
16. Gudugbe
17. Ibogun
18. Iberekodo
19. Ijoko
20. Imowo
21. Isonyin
22. Ita Oshin
23. Ita Togun
24. Iyesi
25. Lambe
26. Leme
27. Obantoko
28. Ogere
29. Ojere
30. Oke-Oyinbo
31. Oke-Sopen
32. Olomore
33. Onijoko
34. Onijoko-Agodo
35. Onigbongbo
36. Onikolobo
37. Onimoko
38. Onipele
39. Oniro
40. Oniyanrin
41. Oniyangan
42. Oniyun
43. Orile-Imo
44. Osiele
45. Ota
46. Owode
47. Owo-Lagbara
48. Oyeleye
49. Pakoto
50. Papa Ereplanki
51. Sango
52. Yemetu

These wards play a crucial role in local governance and representation within Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area, ensuring that the needs and concerns of the residents are effectively addressed at the grassroots level.

Kingsley Ayinde

Here is a list of the political demography of Ogun State in Nigeria ¹:
- Current Governor: Prince Dapo Abiodun (All Progressives Congress)
- Deputy Governor: Noimot Salako-Oyedele (All Progressives Congress)
- Senators:
o Shuaibu Salisu (All Progressives Congress)
o Gbenga Daniel (All Progressives Congress)
o Solomon Adeola (All Progressives Congress)
- Representatives: 20 local government areas
- Number of local government areas: 20
- Total population (2006): 3,751,140
- Rank (population): 16th
- Land area: 16,762 km²
- Rank (land area): 24th
- Main ethnic groups: Ẹgba, Ijebu, Remo, Egbado, Awori and Egun
- Religion: Islam, Christianity and traditional Yoruba animism
- Senatorial districts: Ogun Central, Ogun East and Ogun West.

Here are some examples of Christian political movements that became a ruling party or had significant political influence:

1. *Christian Democratic Union (CDU)* - Germany: Founded in 1945, the CDU is a center-right political party that has been a major force in German politics, with many Christian democratic principles.
2. *Christian Democratic Party* - Italy: This party was a dominant force in Italian politics from the 1940s to the 1990s, promoting Christian values and social justice.
3. *Christian People's Party* - Norway: This party has been part of several governments in Norway, promoting Christian ethics and social welfare policies.
4. *Christian Social Union (CSU)* - Bavaria, Germany: The CSU is a sister party of the CDU and has been a dominant force in Bavarian politics, promoting Christian values and conservative policies.
5. *American Solidarity Party* - USA: While not yet a ruling party, this party was founded in 2011 and promotes Christian democratic principles, social justice, and environmental stewardship.
6. *Christian Democratic National Union* - Hungary: This party was a major force in Hungarian politics in the 1990s and early 2000s, promoting Christian values and conservative policies.
7. *New Zealand Christian Heritage Party* - New Zealand: Although not a ruling party, this party has had significant influence in promoting Christian values and social policies.

These examples illustrate how Christian political movements have shaped politics and governance in various countries, often emphasizing values like social justice, compassion, and moral principles.