•Demands accountability in N17.5 trillion NNPCL accounts

The Christian Social Movement of Nigeria (CSMN) has fears that the insecurity in the country remained a serious threat to the 2027 general elections.

The Chairman of the Governing Council of CSMN, Elder Sunday Oibe, at a press briefing on the State of the Nation, Security, Governance and 2027 elections with the theme, “Nigeria at Another Crossroad”, warned that displaced Nigerians must not become invisible citizens, adding that the 2027 general elections must be a real contest and not a coronation.

While describing the killing of innocent citizens as a national tragedy because the state has failed in its responsibility to protect lives and property, the

Organisation said the continued operations of Boko Haram, ISWAP, banditry and other armed groups is an assault on national sovereignty.

He condoled families of victims of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across the country, warning that insecurity, poverty and distrust in the electoral process could threaten democracy.

“If large numbers of Nigerians in parts of North-East, North-West and North Central are unable to return safely to their homes, how can they freely participate in 2027 elections?”, he queried.

The CSMN called on the Federal Government to restore security in affected communities before 2027 to enable citizens register and vote without intimidation.

Oibe also called for new constitutional settlement, saying the 1999 Constitution has failed to provide adequate foundation for Nigeria’s federal realities, and supported dialogue on principles underlying 1963 Republican Constitution.

Speaking on electoral credibility, he expressed concern over the provisions of Electoral Act 2026, particularly Section 138 which limits grounds for challenging election, saying amendment deserves national debate to inspire public confidence.

“No democracy should create perception that questions concerning qualifications or integrity of candidates cannot receive effective judicial scrutiny,”, he e said.

Oibe cited Section 14(2)(b) of the constitution that security and welfare shall be the primary purpose of government, and said Nigerians face insecurity, high living costs and unemployment, quoting World Bank assessment that about 61 percent of Nigerians are below poverty line.

He called for accountability in public expenditure, including explanation on N17.5 trillion reflected in NNPCL’s 2024 accounts relating to energy security costs.

On religion and governance, he said the continuation of Muslim-Muslim ticket in religiously diverse Nigeria raises concerns about balance, adding that government must demonstrate it belongs equally to all faiths in Nigeria.

The CSMN called on the Nigerian Church to end political fragmentation and develop strategy for 2027, saying it will convene consultations with Christian presidential aspirants towards political consensus.

The Christian group also called on the international community including United States, EU and UK to pay attention to 2027 process.

On President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, the CSMN aligned with National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) that the President should not seek second term, citing insecurity, economic hardship and accountability concerns.

“Nigeria is greater than ambition of any individual. No individual should place personal political ambition above survival, unity and welfare of nation”, it said, advising the President to use the remainder of his tenure to facilitate constitutional settlement, strengthen institutions and secure nation.

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