2019 Election: ‘We Will Not Endorse Any Presidential Candidate’ – CAN

2019 Election: ‘We Will Not Endorse Any Presidential Candidate’ – CAN

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) will not endorse any
presidential candidate in the forthcoming election, president of the
group, Rev. Samson Ayokunle said.  

Ayokunle urged Nigerians to vote according to the leading of the Holy
Spirit and their consciences, adding that credibility and integrity
should guide their choice. The Presidential election, along with
National Assembly election will hold on 16 February. CAN made its
position known in a statement signed by Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, the
Special Assistant, Media and Communications to the CAN president.  

Ayokunle said CAN is for God and His people and is apolitical, non-partisan and impartial. “Our
members cut across all political divides and some of them are even
contesting for one post or the other including the Presidential. So, the
idea of endorsing any candidate as favourite does not arise. We have
not and will not endorse any candidate for any elective office in the
country,” he said.  

CAN recently held a meeting with 14 Presidential Candidates in Abuja
for briefings on their plans for the nation. Ayokunle said at the end of
the meeting, the association came out with a position not to endorse
any of the candidates. The CAN president said the association recognises
Nigeria’s multi-religious and multicultural composition and it is not
in denial of these realities.  

“However, in our federal system, it is crucial for all constituents
to commit to respect the fundamental human rights of other groups as
enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as amended. It is against this
background that CAN raise serious concerns with the candidates over the
sustained violent attacks and persecution of the Church in Nigeria
today.

CAN understands that if the principle of good governance
(transparency, accountability, equity, inclusiveness and consensus
building) are the hallmarks of governance, it would lead to accelerated
development and prosperity for the people of Nigeria. This is our
sincere desire, hope and prayer,” he said.  

He said that the expectation of CAN was that whoever emerges as
president and vice-president would address the myriad of critical
national concerns and challenges. “In biblical times, God raised
Prophets at different times to speak up against national leaders and
policies that promoted injustice against the very people such leaders
were called to serve. God placed the responsibility of the security and
welfare of the citizens on leaders of nations. Nigeria cannot be an
exception,” he said.  

The cleric said the association noted with encouragement that the
candidates interviewed subscribed to its (CAN’s) values as expected of
the President of the Federal Republic. He added that actions should
speak far louder than words if anyone of them is elected.  

“To this end, CAN will watch closely as the character of the
presidential candidates unfolds before, during and after the forthcoming
elections,” he said. Ayokunle said that the Christian community is
deeply concerned about the misfortunes that had befallen the Nigerian
state in recent years. These concerns, which must never be swept under
the carpet, make the strongest case for setting a standard for how
responsible and well-meaning Nigerians should vote in the coming
elections,” he stressed.

The CAN president urged all Christians to ensure they were in
possession of their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), and use sound judgment
in voting. Ayokunle said that they should ensure that sentiments were
eschewed and wisdom was applied in making the decision on the ballot
paper.  

“Let us be circumspect and discretional. Above all, let the Holy
Spirit of God direct you in the voting. Think about the greater good of
Nigeria, and not primordial sentiments. All Christians are enjoined to
remain vigilant during the voting exercise and promptly report any
suspicious undertaking at voting centres,” he advised.  

He urged all Christians to stay away from any violence or mob action,
whatsoever, no matter the provocation. “Decency, lawfulness and
godliness should guide us in any act of disagreement”, he said. The
cleric said the choice of CAN remains any candidate who exhibits
godliness, trustworthiness, sincerity of purpose, decency, patriotism,
true commitment to national service and who would show care for the
Christian community in the nation.  

“Christians are called upon to vote credible and trusted candidates
into the various elective positions. We must also be discerning about
their policy and the understanding of policy details,” he said.