2023 elections not do-or-die — CAN chair

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 Northern States and Abuja, Rev. Yakubu Pam, has called on presidential candidates of the various political parties participating in the 2023 general election not to view it as a do-or-die affair.

This was as he urged Christians to shun apathy towards electioneering, enjoining them to participate actively in election matters.

This, the CAN boss noted, was the only way Nigerians could produce good leaders that could lead the nation into greatness.

Pam stated these at a three-day special prayer summit organised by CAN ahead of the 2023 general election, which was held at the Catholic Social Centre, Kaduna, on Thursday.

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The cleric said the prayer session was timely and auspicious as it was being held few months before the 2023 general election.

The special prayer summit had as its theme: ‘Managing diversity in an electioneering process: The role of religious leaders.’

Pam called on members to come out en mass to cast their votes in the forthcoming election, noting that the time when Christians showed apathy towards election matter was gone.

The CAN leader said, “Our presidential candidates should not see the general election as a do-or-die affair, after all power comes from God and what will be, will be; no man runs faster than his shadow.

“We, the religious leaders, must stand firm in the face of intimidation in this era of electioneering process.

“We should be able to speak truth to power no matter the circumstances we find ourselves, because for everyone we mislead, we must answer for it someday.

“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 INEC and should not stop there, rather should ensure that he or she gets the PVC so that they can participate in the voting process.

“The government whether at the federal or state levels, 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 smooth electioneering campaign and smooth transition without bloodbath.”