By Ezeocha Nzeh
Ahead of the 2023 general election, newly elected President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Rev. Daniel Okoh, has warned that political parties that have always relied on its strength and structures will be disappointed as Nigerians would no longer vote along political [parties lines, but individuals and their strengths
The CAN president, who predicted a woeful performance and possible failure for political parties that boast and rely on their party popularity, structures or strength to win in the 2023 general elections, noted that such opportunities were possible in the past, but not in today Nigeria where citizens are enlightened and are queuing behind individuals whom they think have answers to their questions.
The CAN President who spoke at a thanksgiving organised on his behalf at the Christ Holy Church, (Odozi-Obodo) in Abuja, on Sunday, regretted that politicians have failed the people repeatedly in the past, hence the people have decided to adopt a new approach in choosing their leaders.
He said: “We are in the period of campaign and so many things are happening. But whatever happens, we must stand for the truth. We must be at alert and ensure that no one smuggles what is untrue into your pocket. We must ensure that no one misleads you, no one buys your conscience, your fours years of joy. That’s the way to be at alert.
“We must critically challenge the people that are aspiring for different political offices in the forthcoming general elections. They should be able to convince us before we cast our vote. We must always think before we act. Jesus Christ teaches us to watch and pray, and that’s what we are doing now in Nigeria as regards the coming elections.
“Before you cast your vote, ensure you know the person or people you are casting the vote for, because things are beginning to change in Nigeria especially the electoral system. The era of voting for political party logo is gone. People no longer vote for party but individuals. Electorates now interrogate credibility, character, capacity and other criteria before they vote.
“Gone are days that you boost of election victory because you belong to a particular political party that is believed to has structure or strength. Any politician who think that way now is obviously deceiving his or herself.
“Christians and Nigerians would go into the elections with their two eyes open. They would ask questions about their welfare, education, health, human capital development and several others.”
Rev. Okoh however appealed to politicians who are seeking political offices in the forthcoming elections to make promises that they would fulfill, regretting that Nigerian politicians have been in the habit of making election promises and mouth-watering offers that they find difficult to fulfil.
He also urged the youths against making themselves available for use as thugs and other agents of disruption by politicians.
“Our youths are no longer available for use as thugs. They have gone digital and are doing amazing things. I am one of the persons that believe that the youths must participate in things that concern them. We must widen the space and inject new blood in the leadership of Nigeria.
“Our youths shouldn’t be used as campaign materials. Nigeria is one of the best places to live in irrespective of the challenges being faced here. We enjoy unlimited freedom here, even though it’s beginning to slip out of our hands. But by faith, we would grab it back and return our country back to its glory days.”
