BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
The Christian Social Movement of Nigeria (CSMN) has endorsed the position of the National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) that President Bola Tinubu should not seek re-election in 2027, saying Nigeria is at a crossroads and requires urgent action to address insecurity, economic hardship and weaknesses in democratic institutions.
The group also called for comprehensive electoral and constitutional reforms, improved public accountability and measures to ensure that all Nigerians can participate freely in the 2027 general elections.
CSMN Chairman, Governing Council, Elder Sunday Oibe, stated this on Friday while presenting the group’s position at a world press conference themed, “Nigeria at Another Crossroad.”
The organisation said its position against Tinubu’s re-election was based on what it described as the administration’s “sub-optimal performance,” particularly in the areas of security, the economy, accountability and other unmet expectations.
“Nigeria is greater than the ambition of any individual,” CSMN said, urging the president to use the remainder of his tenure to strengthen democratic institutions, pursue constitutional reforms, improve national security and leave the country in a better condition.
The group said the 2027 elections must not become a coronation, stressing that Nigerians must be allowed to freely choose their leaders.
“The 2027 election must be an election, not a coronation. Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians,” it said.
On insecurity, CSMN described the continued attacks by terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other armed groups as a failure of the state to adequately discharge its constitutional responsibility to protect citizens.
“The continued killing of innocent citizens in Nigeria is a national tragedy and a profound failure of the State’s most fundamental responsibility: the protection of life,” the group said.
It called on the Federal Government to take “decisive, sustained and transparent action” to end terrorism and protect communities affected by violence.
CSMN also warned that worsening insecurity could undermine the credibility of the 2027 elections, particularly in parts of the North-East, North-West and North Central.
It said citizens displaced by violence must be enabled to return safely and participate fully in the electoral process, warning that insecurity could leave legitimate voters disenfranchised while creating opportunities for electoral manipulation.
“Displaced citizens must not become invisible citizens,” the group said.
It therefore urged the government to ensure that Nigerians are able to register to vote, obtain electoral documents, travel safely to polling centres and cast their ballots without intimidation.
The organisation also reiterated its opposition to the continuation of a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, stressing that its position was not an objection to Muslims as citizens.
“Muslims are equal citizens of Nigeria, just as Christians are,” it said, adding that its concern was the “perception and reality of religious balance in governance.”
CSMN also referenced Section 10 of the Constitution, which prohibits the Federal Government or a state government from adopting any religion as a state religion.
It urged the government to demonstrate through its policies and actions that it belongs equally to Christians, Muslims and adherents of traditional African religions.
The group further rejected what it described as attempts to dismiss or minimise allegations of systematic violence against Christians.
“Whatever terminology is ultimately used to describe the violence, the killing of Christians must not be denied, trivialized or politicized,” it said, calling for protection, investigation, prosecution and justice.
Ahead of the 2027 elections, CSMN called on Christian leaders, denominations, organisations and political actors to overcome political differences and develop a coordinated strategy.
It announced plans to hold consultations with Christian presidential aspirants and other stakeholders under its proposed Christian Political Consensus Project.
The group also urged Christians to register, obtain their electoral documents and vote according to their conscience, stressing that its political objective was not to persecute or exclude other citizens.
“Our objective is equal citizenship, constitutional democracy, freedom of worship, justice and security for all,” CSMN said.
It further called on the United States, European Union, United Kingdom and other international partners to closely monitor Nigeria’s 2027 electoral process.
Nigeria is too important to West Africa and the wider world for the international community to look away if democratic institutions are weakened or citizens are prevented from freely choosing their leaders,” it said.
The group urged international observers and development partners to support electoral integrity, transparency, human rights, religious freedom and the rule of law.
