As the 2027 general elections draw near, the President of the Owerri Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Men Organization (OACCMO), Mr. Kelechi Darlington Eke, has affirmed the organization’s readiness to mobilize its members toward active participation in the electoral process, with the aim of influencing the outcome of the elections.
Mr. Eke made this known while addressing journalists during the 2026 Father’s Day celebration. He referenced the theme of the event, “Civic Engagement of Christian Fathers as Agents of Change for Good Governance in Nigeria,” noting that it was deliberately chosen in response to the nation’s leadership challenges and the urgent need for Christian fathers to rise to their civic responsibilities.
He observed that Nigeria’s leadership crisis has deepened amid worsening economic and security conditions, attributing this trend partly to the political apathy and indifference of many Christian fathers. According to him, fathers can no longer afford to remain passive while the nation continues to decline under self-serving and recycled leadership.
Describing the 2027 elections as a critical opportunity, Mr. Eke stressed that Christian fathers must unite, participate actively, and vote responsibly to help redirect the nation’s future. He noted that poor governance directly affects fathers, especially in their roles as providers, thereby making civic engagement not just a duty but a necessity.
He further emphasized that, given their numbers and influence, Christian fathers possess the capacity to significantly determine electoral outcomes, especially with the ongoing mobilization and sensitization efforts of the organization.
Speaking on the significance of Father’s Day, Mr. Eke explained that the celebration is set aside by the Catholic Church to honor fathers for their indispensable roles in the family, the Church, and society. He noted that it is observed annually on the Sunday following May 1, the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, the patron saint of Catholic men.
According to him, Father’s Day has evolved beyond mere celebration into a moment of reflection, an opportunity for fathers to examine their faith, reassess their responsibilities, and renew their commitment to their vocation. He acknowledged the growing challenges fathers face in a society often driven by superficial values, where appearances frequently overshadow integrity and wealth is admired without regard to its source.
He encouraged fathers not to succumb to societal pressures but to draw inspiration from the example of Saint Joseph, whose quiet strength, resilience, and unwavering faith continue to serve as a guiding light in uncertain times.
