General Theophilus Danjuma, the pilot of the National Christian Elders Forum, has endorsed the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi for the February 25 elections.
Obi was also endorsed by other elder statesmen.
The nationalists warned that some regions were preparing to unleash violence during the elections and should not be taken lightly.
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They hence called on the Federal Government not to spare efforts to prevent violence during the elections.
Advising Nigerians to shun politics of religion and tribalism, they asked Nigerians to vote candidates into offices based on capacity, ability, integrity, and good health because “a sick country requires hearty leaders.
The Christian elders made this known in a statement titled, “Resolutions towards 2023 elections: Think new,” signed by its chairman, Dr Samuel Gani and Secretary, Pastor Bosun Emmanuel in Abuja on Tuesday.
It read:
“In view of the need to ensure that democracy survives in Nigeria and the culture of corruption, incompetency, lawlessness, and impunity, which assailed the country in the past 24 years is eradicated, NCEF encourages Nigerians to think new.
“Nigeria requires new leaders, new methods, new policies, and new political parties. In view of the above for equity, justice, inclusiveness, and unity to produce the preferred future for Nigerians.
“The National Christian Elders Forum is endorsing Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party as the Presidential candidate to be voted for. NCEF encourages all Nigerians of voting age to exercise their civic duty and ensure that they vote for capacity, competency, integrity, and good health. Nigerians, think new!”
They further disclosed Nigerians were beginning to attach premium importance to capacity and integrity rather than the primordial emotional choices which afforded unqualified and incompetent people access to leadership positions.
The group said:
“NCEF commends the Federal Government for taking steps to curb vote-buying during the 2023 elections. While the policy of currency change has brought some inconvenience to the people, the long-term benefit should be appreciated. It is crucial that vote-buying must be prevented at all costs to prevent unqualified and incapable persons from bribing their way into power.”
The NCEF reiterated the call to all Nigerians that the next elections should be about national integration, national reconciliation, and national unity that would lead to social, economic, and physical infrastructural development for the benefit of all and sundry.
Members of the NECF included Dr Saleh Hussaini, Vice Chairman (North), Elder Shyngle Wigwe, Vice Chairman (South), Mrs Osaretin Demuren, Prof Joseph Otubu, Dr Kate Okpareke, Dr Ayo Abifarin, Gen Zamani Lekwot (retd), Hon Justice James Ogebe (retd), and Elder Moses Ihonde.
Others were Hon Justice Kalajine Anigbogu (retd.), Elder Nat Okoro, Solomon Asemota (SAN), Elder Matthew Owojaiye, DIG P L. Dabup, Sir John W Bagu, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Dame Priscilla Kuye, Prof Deborah Ajakaiye, His Royal Majesty Oba Dokun Thompson, and Dr Taiwo Idemudia.
