Religious leaders sue for peace ahead of 2023 elections

Religious leaders, yesterday, emphasised the need for peace and tolerance among Nigerians to ensure a credible and hitch-free general elections next year.

They urged Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders to enthrone fairness and transparency, thereby, securing the trust and support of Nigerians.

Speaking at an inclusive security dialogue, jointly organised by Global Peace Foundation, ADF International, Vision Africa, and other partners, in Abuja, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, observed that some politicians, with no coherent ideology and development agenda, now engage in do-or-die politics just to grab power.

He noted that politics of corruption, intimidation, exclusion and violence have become weapons of political victory in the country.

He warned that electoral violence has the ability to truncate the democratic process and gains made over the years.

Okoh added: “As a religious leader, I am hopeful that this ugly history of pre or post-electoral violence will not be repeated. But that will be if we decide to adopt strategic conversation that appeals to the conscience of the political class.”

In his remarks, the President of Vision Africa, Bishop Sunday Onuoha, reminded religious leaders of their key roles in the forthcoming elections, noting: “Religious leaders are people who command massive loyalty and respect among the people, and are influencers of the polity.”