The outgoing president of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Samson Ayokunle, and a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, have raised concerns about the forthcoming presidential elections.
They made their statements in a seminar which was part of the activities that marked the 12th General Assembly of CAN and the leadership transition of the apex religious body with the theme, ‘The role of the Church in times like this’.
Dogara said, “I want to say emphatically that CAN’s position on the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in this country, at this moment of national peril, is not just CAN’s or that of Babachir David Lawal, whom many have accused of being the only one who has turned it into an issue.
“I believe it (the rejection of a same-faith ticket) is also the Almighty’s own position, because we serve a God of justice. He is the righteous One as well as the author of diversity, and he wants us, as diverse as we are, to come together.
“So, CAN’s stance is the position of all of us (Christian political leaders) who love righteousness, justice as well as diversity and are working to harness these for the advancement of this country.
“In as much as what we are fighting for is a godly position, every other position is ungodly. There’s no middle way. It’s either you are for righteousness, justice and inclusivity or you are working against the unity of this great country.”
On his part, Ayokunle said he is worried that the Independent National Electoral Commission may not be able to conduct a free and fair election in 2023. He also called on the electoral body to sort out the issues trailing the permanent voters’ card registration.
“I don’t think INEC is ready for credible elections. I relocated from my former residence to a new one in the same town and reported to INEC last year, but up till now, the commission has not effected any update in my polling unit…”
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