The National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) has asked President Bola Tinubu not to seek re-election in 2027, saying his administration’s performance is “manifestly disappointing”.
In a communiqué dated July 9 and signed by Samuel Gani, NCEF national chairman, the elders said the federal government’s performance on national security, economic development and the wellbeing of the citizens has been “hugely sub-optimal”.
“The direction in which the Tinubu presidency is leading the nation offers increasing apprehension rather than hope and this state of affairs has left all patriots with no option but to call on President Tinubu to please desist from seeking re-election for a second term, but instead like a statesman with an eye on history and posterity, to earnestly commit the rest of his tenure to restructuring Nigeria and giving her a new constitution,” the communiqué reads.
The NCEF also renewed its criticism of Tinubu’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, describing it as “tone-deaf and grossly insensitive,” at a period terrorists are “ravaging the country, and Christians are at the receiving end of the widespread violence, unabated killings and unspeakable atrocities”.
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The elders cautioned the judiciary against any perceived bias in adjudicating election disputes, warning that the country “is now at a tipping point” and cannot afford judicial partiality.
The forum called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold its independence and ensure the conduct of credible, free and fair elections.
On power rotation, the group said although the north-south presidency arrangement is not constitutionally mandated, it remains important for national stability, equity and inclusion.
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“And for that reason, patriots are urged to support a southern candidature in 2027 for the four remaining years of the south’s current turn,” the forum said.
The Christian elders called for an independent investigation into the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) controversy, describing it as an indictment of the Tinubu administration.
“The flagrant compromise of national institutions by the current administration is reminiscent of the dark days of General Babangida’s military administration, and this is unacceptable and must be brought to the quickest halt,” the group said.
The NCEF said Nigerians desire meaningful change, adding that the patience of citizens facing prolonged hardship “must no longer be taken for granted”.
