They add in reference to the presidential candidates who honored the invitation, “Their decision to meet and dialogue with CAN officials and other Christian leaders ahead of the 2023 general elections is remarkable not only because the Church is a critical stakeholder in the Nigerian project, it also provided us a platform to collectively review our understanding of the crisis of development and governance facing our nation and find a lasting solution to them.”
CAN officials further say the stance they have taken on any issue of national concern, especially when it relates to leadership and governance, “is in the interest of inclusivity and respect for our plurality as a nation.”
“CAN salute the candor of all the presidential candidates who participated in the interactive session and charge those among them who have made up their minds to execute the suggested solutions to our national crisis as spelled out in the charter to walk that talk seriously, if elected in 2023,” the representatives of Christian churches in Africa’s most populous nation say.
They note that there is need for “proper understanding of the issues on the ground and thorough planning to ensure that pronouncements do not end up as mere rhetoric while an impatient public counts the days – for implementation.”
“Having consulted with Nigerians of diverse religious, ethnic and social classes on the problems of the country and the possible solutions to them, CAN articulate these ideas in a document we christened, The Charter for a New Nigeria,” the Christian leaders say in their November 24 statement.
They add, “The position of CAN on certain national issues based on this document was presented to the presidential candidates.”
CAN officials urge all Nigerians to, “before marching to the polls in 2023, listen dispassionately to all that the presidential candidates have to say and judge from the depths of their consciences who will best lead the nation into a new era of peace, security, prosperity and collective progress.”
“In view of the fact that the apex Christian body understands that Nigeria’s next helmsman will be under serious pressure to make an immediate impact upon assumption of office next year, we make a solemn promise to keep our doors open for further discussion on how best to make these laudable ideas a reality for the public good,” the representatives of Christian leaders in the country say.
They add that they wish “all the presidential candidates safety and security as they campaign vigorously for votes in the next three months.”
On September 28, the 18 candidates vying for Presidency in Nigeria launched their nationwide campaigns ahead of the 25 February 2023 general elections that will see the electorate in Africa’s most populous nation also vote for members of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
