2023: Vote wisely, elect leaders who will unite Nigeria - Ndukuba

Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, the Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria Anglican Communion, says Nigerians must use their votes wisely and elect leaders who will unite and prioritise the country’s interest.

Ndukuba made the call during the 2022 Divine Commonwealth Conference of the church, on Tuesday in Abuja.

“The desired peace we yearn can only be gotten from our choices and participation in the next elections,’’ he added.

The Primate said Nigerians should continue to pray for safety and security, refuse to sell their votes and do the right thing by participating in the elections.

He added that to get “a new Nigeria’’ every citizen must contribute to its growth, one of which was by voting for integrity and those who respect the rights of every citizen, not opportunists.

“Know that politicians will want to win by all means. Vote for the candidate that will have the political will to stand and do the right thing for the benefit of the people.

“Our security and freedom, our economy, and truly fight corruption and not use their power to hunt down their enemies and opponents.

“Vote for leaders who will not weaponise religion, tribe, poverty and insecurity for their selfish political advantage," he added.

Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), commended the Anglican Communion for its steadfastness and prayers for Nigeria.

He thanked the church for standing against immoral acts, including same sex marriage and homosexuality.

The CAN president said that the divine purpose of knowing Christ and serving him promotes peace and unity.

“God is aware of our predicaments and as we submit to Him in prayers and supplication, there will be a turn around.

"The challenges the nation faces, with prayers, can be subdued.

“Nigeria shall rise again to be great and in its season of abundance,” he added.

Okoh said that the church and religious leaders have critical roles to play in promoting tolerance, brotherliness, peace and unity.

“Shun tendencies to abbreviate negative acts, vote for candidates who can restore our land, come out en masse and vote,” he urged Nigerians.

He appealed to the Anglican communion to be more visible in the activities of CAN, as its moral, spiritual and experienced hands were needed for the growth of the association.

In his speech, Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, urged the church to pray fervently against all negative plans against the country.

Okowa, who is also the Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said with prayers, the country cannot go wrong.

He urged Nigerians to pray and vote for better leadership that will redeem the nation during the forthcoming general election.