2019: Details of CAN meeting with Buhari, Atiku, others emerge

The Christian Association of Nigeria has advised Nigerians against voting for any desperate presidential candidate in 2019.

The CAN President, Rev. Samson Ayokunle, said this in Abuja on Monday, shortly after meeting with 14 presidential candidates, including President Muhammadu Buhari who was represented by Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and Peoples Democratic Party presidential standard bearer Atiku Abubakar, represented by his deputy, Peter Obi.

The presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria, Oby Ezekwesili, was also at the forum.

Ayokunle warned that there might be crisis during the 2019 elections if the police, army and other security agencies did not conduct themselves properly.

He said, “The motive of the meeting is not to take for granted the 2019 general elections. The church cannot keep quiet in this situation because the church can only prosper when Nigeria prospers.

“If the 2019 election is not free and fair, all Nigerians will be in trouble, including the Church.”

The cleric said CAN was concerned by the crisis that trailed party primaries across the country, stressing that politicians without alternative means of livelihood should not contest elections.

He added, “The desperation we saw at the intra-party elections is giving us concern. If they can be so desperate and they end up fighting, what will they do when they contest against the opposition? The desperation is too much.”

The Christian leader said the meeting was convened to interact with the presidential aspirants and know their plans for the nation, including the Church.

He stated, “We must leave a better tomorrow for our children. So those who want to lead us must get serious, they must also know what we want them to do.”