Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged political actors to put the interests of the country above their personal ambitions.
CAN made the call as its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, addressed journalists as part of activities marking the association’s 50th anniversary.
Okoh urged political parties and candidates to make their campaigns issue-based and centred on competing ideas for improving the lives of Nigerians.
“We expect political campaigns to be issue-based and focused on competing ideas about how to improve the lives of Nigerians.
“Political parties and candidates must resist the temptation to weaponize religion, ethnicity and regional sentiments,” he said.
The apex Christian body said Nigerians had witnessed enough bloodshed and division during election periods, stressing that another generation of youths should not be sacrificed to political ambition.
CAN also called on political leaders to take responsibility for the conduct of their supporters and discourage incitement, hate speech, violence and intimidation.
“Every Nigerian must be free to vote according to his or her conscience, without coercion, intimidation or manipulation,” Okoh added.
The association said it would continue to support credible democratic processes, civic education, peaceful elections and electoral integrity.
“Our message to politicians is clear: Elections should be a contest of ideas, not a contest of violence; a competition for public service, not a licence for personal destruction,” Okoh stated.
On the economy, CAN expressed concern over the rising cost of living and the difficulties faced by families, young people and small businesses.
The association urged the government to pursue policies that would stimulate productive economic activity, create meaningful employment, support small and medium-sized enterprises and protect vulnerable Nigerians.
Okoh said economic policies should ultimately be measured by their impact on ordinary citizens, stressing that public office should be treated as a trust rather than an opportunity for personal enrichment.
