2023 Polls: We are mobilising electorate to determine our leaders – CAN

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said on Monday that it is mobilising the electorate ahead of the 2023 general elections to choose who would be the country’s political leaders.

Rt. Rev. Stephen Adegbite, Chairman of the CAN Lagos State Chapter, revealed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the media conference to announce the 2022 Inter-Denominational Divine Service (IDDS).

He stated that voter education and mobilisation were critical to deepening democratic culture in the polity, noting that it would promote national peace, harmony, and economic progress.

Adegbeti, who criticised the degree of economic suffering in the country, as well as the consequent insecurity and pessimism, said the age of imposing inept leadership on the country was over.

He stated that CAN, as one of the people’s main voices, has begun mobilising the public ahead of the elections through the ongoing voter card registration campaign.

“Our local government representatives are out in the field informing people about the need of updating their voter cards in order to participate in the elections that will provide the country with better leaders in 2023.”

“At the present, the effort is focused on voter registration mobilisation.”

“Following this, the mobilisation will shift to participation, selecting a candidate to vote for, and securing votes after the election to guarantee that the people’s ballots are counted.”

“This is a democratic system, and we must be a part of the process that elevates leaders above rulers.”

The era of cabals imposing rulers on the people has come to an end.

“As a people, we must take the chance of periodic transition provided by the democratic system of governance to enhance our individual and national lives by electing competent leaders of our choosing,” he stated.

Adegbeti lauded Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the state’s relative stability, saying that CAN will back his second term.

Frowning at the rise of “get-rich-quick” ritual killings, the preacher exhorted youths to work hard and desist from behaviours that would cast a negative light on the country.

According to NAN, the interdenominational divine service would take place on February 19 at the Apostolic Church, Lagos Headquarters.

Alfred, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Alfred Adewale-Martins, will anchor the service.