Insecurity is biggest threat to 2023 elections, CAN warns

Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has warned that insecurity constitutes the biggest threat to next year’s general elections.

CAN President, Rev. Dr. Samson Ayokunle, stated this during an interactive session some Christian leaders had with the European Union (EU) Delegation, led by EU Chief Election Observer, Ms. Maria Arena.

The Delegation wanted to know the position of the Association on the preparation of stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and political parties.

Ayokunle said the security situation might not allow the election to be credible, free and fair, especially if voters are not allowed to exercise their rights because of fear of being harmed, kidnapped or killed.

He said: “We call on the Federal Government and security agencies to wake up to the challenges in the country, where terrorists, bandits and kidnappers are operating with impunity and nowhere is safe.”

If the trend continues, many voters may not participate and the outcome of the election might not be credible.”

He said government appears to be struggling to nip the ugly situation in the bud, stressing that its current effort is not enough.

He added: “We have warned all political parties against fielding either Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian presidential candidates. Since President Muhammadu Buhari is a Muslim from the North, in the interest of equity, fairness, social justice and cohesion, the next president should be a Christian from the South.

Arena thanked the leadership of CAN for honouring the invitation and promised to carry the Association along in the EU Delegation’s undertakings.