With the 2023 general elections about two months away, The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has urged Christians to vote en masse
It also said that the Federal Government has a role to play in ensuring smooth electioneering campaigns and smooth transition without bloodshed.
Speaking during a prayer summit in Kaduna at the weekend, Rev. Yakubu Pam, the CAN Chairman, said that it was also the government’s responsibility to ensure a level playing field for all the candidates and voters during elections.
Rev. Pam said: “I am convinced that you will agree with me that this prayer summit is timely and auspicious as it is taking place barely a few months before the 2023 general elections.
“I sincerely welcome all the state CAN officials in the 19 Northern states and FCT as well as the executive members of the Northern CAN to this strategic prayer summit.”
He stressed that the time when Christians showed apathy to political issues was over.
“We are all enjoined to come out en masse and participate in the electioneering process of our democracy because it is the only way we can produce good leaders of our choice to lead us at different levels.
“Christians should come out as never before to vote and be voted for in the forthcoming general election in February 2023.
“It is expected that every eligible Christian should take it upon himself or herself to register with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and should not stop there, rather should ensure that he or she gets the PVCs (Permanent Voter Cards) so that they can participate in the voting process.
“The government, whether at the federal or state level, should be proactive in addressing challenges and conflicts that might arise before, during and post-election period.
“The government has a role to play in ensuring a smooth electioneering campaign and smooth transition without a bloodbath.
“It is equally the responsibility of the government to ensure a level playing field for all the candidates of all the political parties and voters so that at the end of the day, we can have a credible election that would be accepted by Nigerians and the international community.
“Aside from the government, all the major stakeholders, who have a stake in the election should work in synergy and handle issues promptly without delay.”
He said the government cannot do it alone, as even he called on the citizens to play their roles to make sure that the elections were not marred with violence, as they should shun all forms of criminality, violence and disturbances during the election.