2023 Elections: Catholic bishops reveal presidential, other candidates Nigerians should vote for

Catholic Bishops advise Nigerians on leaders to vote for in the 2023 general election

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province have advised Nigerians to vote for leaders who will be true patriots, servants of the people, and responsive to the security and welfare needs of all citizens without discrimination.

The province comprised of Ibadan Archdiocese, Ilorin, Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo, and Osogbo dioceses, stated this in a communique issued after their meeting in Ibadan on Wednesday, January 18, Daily Trust reported.

The clerics urged Nigerian politicians to ensure nobility and fairness in their speech and actions toward free, fair and peaceful elections, The Punch also reported.

“We, therefore, urge all eligible Nigerians to secure their Permanent Voters Cards and vote in the elections according to their conscience, without fear, to secure their future and that of their children,” the communiqué, signed by the President, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin and Secretary, Most Rev. John Oyejola, read.

Legit.ng gathered that the bishops expressed sorrow over the recent killing of Rev. Fr. Isaac Achi of the Catholic Diocese of Minna in his residence. They commended the governors of the southwest for setting up and sustaining the Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN) codenamed Amotekun Corps and others for the relatively improved security situation in the region.

The religious leaders called on the government to bolster existing security measures with new technology and prosecute arrested criminals.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that Emmanuel Badejo, the Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, said Nigerians should vote for leaders who will prioritise the wellbeing of the less privileged.

He also urged the citizens to work and pray to God to take the country back from the grip of corruption, selfishness, criminality, and other evil practices.

The clergy said this on Sunday, October 9, 2022, while preaching at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Abuja. Kaigama said Nigerians should turn their frustrations into a propeller that would enable them to make reasonable collective decisions in 2023.