Prominent Nigerian pastors have appealed to politicians to refrain from actions that could lead to bloodshed or destroy the country in the run-up to the 2027 general elections. The pastors made their plea at a Cross Campaign Media Parley on the State of the Nation in Lagos, convened by Rev. Yomi Kasali and Apostle Lawrence Achudume. The event saw the attendance of notable clergymen, including Bishop Mike Okonkwo, a former president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), and Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, a former president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
Oritsejafor emphasized that the 2027 elections should focus on serving the people, rather than personal interests. He noted that politicians should not engage in fighting or violence, as this would deter people from participating in the electoral process. Oritsejafor also suggested that elected officials should receive only allowances, rather than salaries, to prevent self-serving behavior. He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that votes are accurately counted, as this would boost public trust in the electoral process.
Okonkwo echoed similar sentiments, stating that Nigerians should hold their elected leaders accountable for the country's economic woes. He highlighted the need for immediate attention to the economy, despite the allocation of significant funds to various states. Okonkwo emphasized that the people must demand transparency and accountability from their leaders, including local government chairmen.
The pleas of these prominent pastors should serve as a stark reminder to Nigeria's politicians that their actions have consequences. The emphasis on accountability and transparency is particularly pertinent, given the economic woes plaguing the nation. With the allocation of significant funds to various states, it is imperative that Nigerians demand to know where this money is going and how it is being utilized. By holding their leaders accountable, Nigerians can ensure that the 2027 elections truly serve the people, rather than personal interests. The call for state police and a total state of emergency in the North also underscores the need for decisive action to address the nation's security challenges.
