2023 polls: Northern CAN accuses APC government of using hunger, poverty against Nigerians

The Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using hunger and poverty as weapons against Nigerians ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The northern CAN leaders said that the economic poverty in the country would have a direct influence on the voting pattern of the pauperised electorate in 2023.

The northern CAN, in a communique jointly signed by its Chairman, Yakubu Pam and Secretary-General, Sunday Oibe, at a meeting held in Kaduna, said: “Those who mismanaged the economy are using hunger and poverty as weapons as 2023 approaches.

“The meeting deliberated on a wide range of issues affecting Christians in the North and the state of the nation. Some of the issues deliberated upon include the harsh economic situation in the country, which has brought about mass poverty and hunger among millions of Nigeria, the 2023 general elections, insecurity and the prolonged strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government.

“Our weak economy has thrown millions of Nigerians into abject poverty and hunger, thereby making life becoming a living hell as people struggle to make ends meet.

“Almost on a daily basis, prices of food and essential items are on the increase. Many families can barely get one square meal in a day. The reality on the ground is evident for all to see. Poverty and hunger affect all spheres of life. It fuels criminality and crime. It affects education and quality healthcare.

“Hunger affects citizens’ political choices. Already, those who mismanaged the economy are using hunger as a weapon as the 2023 general elections approach. We call on governments at all levels to address the problem of poverty and hunger in Nigeria.”

The communiqué further stated: “We call on Nigerians to ensure that the 2023 elections are conducted under a peaceful atmosphere without rancour. Election is not war. No politician is worth dying for. No one should take the laws into his or her hands. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should ensure that the elections are free, fair and credible.

“We call on President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure a peaceful transition at the end of his tenure in 2023. That is the enduring legacy he will leave behind. Political actors must play politics according to the rules of the game, devoid of rancour. Party leaders, flag bearers, party members, supporters and fans must conduct themselves with decorum and focus their campaigns on how they intend to address the myriad of problems bedevilling the country.”