The National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) has endorsed Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, as its choice for Saturday’s election.
Membership of the NCEF includes former Defence Minister, General T.Y. Danjuma, General Zamani Lekwot (rtd), Dr. Saleh Hussaini, its Vice Chairman (North), Elder Shyngle Wigwe, Vice Chairman (South), Mrs. Osaretin Demuren, Hon. Treasurer, Prof. Joseph Otubu, Dr. (Mrs) Kate Okpareke, Dr. Ayo Abifarin, Hon. Justice James Ogebe, JSC (rtd), Elder Moses Ihonde, Hon. Justice Kalajine Anigbogu (rtd), Elder Nat Okoro, Mr. Solomon
Asemota, SAN, Elder Matthew Owojaiye, DIG P. L. Dabup, Sir John W. Bagu, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Dame Priscilla Kuye, Prof. (Mrs) Deborah Enilo Ajakaiye, HRM Oba Dokun Thompson, Dr. Taiwo Idemudia (Diaspora).
The endorsement comes a day after a poll tipped All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Bola Tinubu, to win the same election, amid suggestions that the opinion poll conducted by FREDDAN Election Net, is not reliable; in addition to criticisms that the surveying group is barely known.
But the group claims it administered over 370,000 questionnaires over four weeks duration and received a total of 287,033 responses across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, adding that Tinubu came tops with 37.2%, followed by Obi.
And according to a story published on Channels Television website, Obi may have also got the endorsement of popular pastor of Dunamis Church, Paul Enenche, who displayed a photo of Bishop David Oyedepo, Obi, and himself and pointed voters in the direction of the LP candidate.
All these come as Benue State Governor, Governor Samuel, in a Channels Television viral video, making the rounds on social media, especially among Obi’s supporters, disclosed that he was ready to let go his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial ticket for Obi to emerge as President.
He noted that prominent Igbo leaders opposed to Obi’s ambition should be treated as outcasts.
Meanwhile, the Christian elders under the auspices of the NCEF, in a copy of resolutions arrived at after their meeting, and signed by its chairman, Dr. Samuel Danjuma Gani, and secretary, Pastor Bosun Emmanuel, stated their preference for Obi.
The group said in a statement: “In view of the need to ensure that democracy survives in Nigeria and the culture of corruption, incompetency, lawlessness, and impunity, which assailed the country in the past 24 years is eradicated, NCEF encourages Nigerians to THINK NEW. Nigeria requires new leaders, new methods, new policies, and new political parties. In view of the above for equity, justice, inclusiveness, and unity to produce the preferred future for Nigerians, National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) is endorsing Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party as the Presidential candidate to be voted for.”
The group commends the Federal Government for taking steps to curb vote buying during the 2023 elections.
It admitted that though the policy of currency change has brought hardship to the people, its long-term benefit should be appreciated.
“It is crucial that vote buying must be prevented at all costs to hinder unqualified and incapable persons from bribing their way into power.
“NCEF also calls on the Federal Government not to spare efforts to prevent violence during the elections. The reports that some regions are preparing to unleash violence during the elections should not be taken lightly.”
In sharing his photo with Obi, Pastor Enenche commented it is “the way to go”.
Added the charismatic pastor on his Facebook page: “A picture they say is worth a thousand words. This picture was randomly taken by a photographer some time ago but is speaking volumes right now, especially in this season…
“What do you see? What can you hear? Are you in doubt about the way to go? The way of integrity, authenticity, honesty, sincerity, simplicity, humility, capacity, productivity; here is the way to go.”
Recall that another charismatic cleric, Apostle Johnson Suleman of the Omega Fire Ministries, a few days ago declared that his family were fully Obidient, an appellation of Obi’s followers.
Meantime, a full text of the resolutions, titled, Towards 2023 Elections: Think New, reads:
“PREAMBLE
National Christians Elders Forum (NCEF) progressively considered and reviewed the state of the country as Nigeria prepares for decisive elections from February 2023. The Christian Elders assessed the state of preparedness of the country as well as the crucial need for Nigerians to vote into office competent, trustworthy, and capable leaders.
Following the deliberations of the Christian Elders, National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF), passed the following resolutions:
“1.NCEF thanked God for giving Nigeria another chance to peacefully conduct the next elections. These elections will afford Nigerians the opportunity to provide competent and capable leaders into national and state offices at the executive and legislative arms of government. The Elders pointed out that good leadership is indispensable to the well-being, peace, and prosperity of Nigerians.
“2.The Christian Elders commend the noticeable change in the attitude of many Nigerians towards the election of leaders for the country. From the North to the South, and from the East to the West, there is apparent shift from politics of religion and tribalism to endorsement of leaders based on merit and ability to perform. Nigerians are beginning to attach premium importance to capacity and integrity rather than the primordial emotional choices which afforded unqualified and incompetent people access to leadership positions.
“3.NCEF commends the Federal Government for taking steps to curb vote buying during the 2023 elections. While the policy of currency change has brought some inconvenience to the people, the long-term benefit should be appreciated. It is crucial that vote buying must be prevented at all costs to hinder unqualified and incapable persons from bribing their way into power.
“4.NCEF also calls on the Federal Government not to spare efforts to prevent violence during the elections. The reports that some regions are preparing to unleash violence during the elections should not be taken lightly.
“5.NCEF calls on all Nigerians to shun politics of religion and tribalism and vote people into offices based on capacity, ability, integrity, and good health. A sick country requires healthy leaders.
“6.In view of the foregoing, NCEF reiterates the call to all Nigerians that the next elections should be about national integration, national reconciliation and national unity that will lead to social, economic, and physical infrastructural development for the benefit of all and generations coming behind.
“7.In view of the need to ensure that democracy survives in Nigeria and the culture of corruption, incompetency, lawlessness, and impunity, which assailed the country in the past 24 years is eradicated, NCEF encourages Nigerians to *THINK NEW*. Nigeria requires new leaders, new methods, new policies, and new political parties. In view of the above for equity, justice, inclusiveness, and unity to produce the preferred future for Nigerians, *National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) is endorsing Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party as the Presidential candidate to be voted for*.
“8.Finally, NCEF encourages all Nigerians of voting age to exercise their civic duty and ensure that they vote for capacity, competency, integrity, and good health.
“Nigerians, THINK NEW!
“God bless Nigeria.”
