The National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF), which has a former Defence Minister, Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (retd) as a member, has asked Nigerians not to vote for either the ruling All Progressives Party (APC) or the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The Forum described both parties as “two evils”.
In a press conference over the weekend by the Chairman, Solomon Asemota (SAN), NCEF urged Nigerians to demand for new candidates and new political parties.
He said, “Nigerians must begin to clamour for new candidates and new political parties. It is not too late to mobilise and dismiss the current political class that devalued naira by over 1,600 per cent from 1999 to 2018 and, at the same period, increased the price of fuel by 625 per cent.
“Jointly, the PDP and the APC impoverished and pauperised Nigerians and turned the country into the poverty capital of the world. It makes sense to reject the two frontline parties, the APC and the PDP, for lack of credible performance.
“We are persuaded that the nation should feel compelled, within the next few months, to look in another direction for its salvation. If that is not done, Nigerians would have willingly jumped from the fire into the furnace. We are already sensitised as to what is ahead with the slogan – ‘two evils.’ NCEF is convinced that if Nigerians are truly desirous of good governance, then all Nigerians have need to be diligent to look outside of these two major parties.”
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The NCEF Chairman also harped on the need to restructure the country for optimal development.
He noted, “The determination of a minority group to transform Nigeria into its colony is responsible for the chaos in the country.
“NCEF insists, in agreement with other well-meaning Nigerians, that restructuring the country must be a cardinal campaign issue for the 2019 elections. Therefore, the Christian elders emphasise the need to draw up a Charter of Agreement to be signed by presidential candidates to complete with timelines for implementation.
“This should be a major pre-condition for those soliciting votes from Nigerians. Of course, no promise from the current government should be taken seriously by anyone. NCEF shall draw up its Charter of Agreement and encourage other credible groups to do the same.”
Aside Danjuma, other members of the NCEF include Prof. Joseph Otubu, Gen. Joshua Dogonyaro (retd.), Archbishop Magnus Atilade, Dr Kate Okpareke, Dr Ayo Abifarin, Gen. Zamani Lekwot (retd.), Elder Moses Ihonde, Elder Nat Okoro and Elder Matthew Owojaiye.
Others are Justice Kalajine Anigbogu (retd.), Elder Shyngle Wigwe, DIG P. L. Dabup, Sir John Bagu, Dr Saleh Hussaini, Elder Mike Orobator, Justice James Ogebe (retd.), Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Chief Debo Omotosho, Dame Priscilla Kuye, Dr S. D. Gani, Mrs Osaretin Demuren, and Prof. Yussuf Turaki.