As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence anniversary, the Senior Pastor of Message Point Assembly, Apostle Dr. Bassey Udosen, has raised concerns over the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning of possible bloodshed while urging Nigerians to reject vote buying and remain at polling units to protect their votes.
By Victoria Omini- CALABAR
Udosen, who spoke during an interview to mark Nigeria’s Independence anniversary, said the country had survived several challenges over the years and still had reasons to thank God for the gift of life despite the worsening economic hardship, insecurity, killings, kidnapping and banditry confronting citizens.
According to him, Nigeria’s 66 years of independence should not only be viewed through the challenges facing the country, but also as an opportunity for citizens to appreciate the preservation of life and continue to pray for the nation.
He said, “As much as there is life, we cannot stop telling God thank you. Irrespective of the economy, the killings, kidnapping, banditry and all the things happening, we have to celebrate what God is doing.”
The cleric, however, expressed concern about the future of the country, particularly the 2027 general elections, saying the political contest could be accompanied by violence if urgent prayers and preventive measures were not taken.
He said he foresaw serious bloodshed during the elections, particularly across some states, but prayed that God would intervene and grant the country a peaceful electoral process.
“I am seeing serious bloodshed that is going to take place in Nigeria. I see bloodshed within the states, but I want to pray that God Almighty, in His infinite mercy, will give His children peace,” he said.
Udosen called on churches and Christian leaders to intensify prayers for Nigeria, particularly over insecurity and the need for credible leadership, stressing that the country required divine intervention and responsible citizens to overcome its challenges.
He also challenged Nigerians who have become disillusioned with the political process and are contemplating staying away from the 2027 elections, insisting that poverty and disappointment with government should not become reasons for citizens to abandon their civic responsibilities.
According to him, the most important responsibility confronting voters in the next election is not merely casting their ballots but remaining at the polling stations to ensure that their votes are properly protected and counted.
He urged Nigerians to break away from what he described as a long standing practice of voting and immediately returning home, leaving their votes vulnerable to manipulation.
“Vote and stay there to protect your vote. Do not vote and leave and go back home. If it is going to take you the whole day, that whole day is worth sacrificing for. Spend that time, defend your vote and choose wisely,” he said.
The pastor also condemned the practice of exchanging votes for food, money and other temporary incentives, warning that such decisions could have consequences that extend far beyond the immediate benefits received by voters.
He particularly appealed to Nigerians to resist the temptation of accepting food items in exchange for their votes, arguing that no quantity of food or money could adequately compensate citizens for the long term consequences of electing poor leadership.
“How many cups of rice will you continue collecting? Some of you will collect 10 cups of rice and sell your birthright,” he said.
Udosen urged Nigerians to think beyond their immediate circumstances and make sacrifices that could benefit future generations, saying citizens must begin to see elections as an opportunity to determine the direction of the country rather than a moment for personal gain.
He said every generation had a responsibility to make sacrifices for those coming after it, urging voters to allow their consciences to guide their decisions at the ballot box.
The cleric maintained that Nigerians should vote according to their convictions and carefully examine the character and competence of candidates before making their choices.
On the question of political leadership, Udosen said, as a clergyman, he would not publicly endorse a particular presidential candidate, stressing that his responsibility was to pray for all candidates and for the emergence of a leader capable of moving the country forward.
He said the church should remain a father to all and avoid being seen as partisan in the political process, while maintaining that Nigeria needed a fresh direction and leadership that would genuinely serve the interests of the people.
Udosen ultimately called on Nigerians to remain hopeful despite the country’s difficulties, stressing that the future of Nigeria would depend not only on those seeking political office but also on the decisions citizens make at the ballot box.
He urged Nigerians to approach the 2027 elections with vigilance, courage and a strong sense of responsibility, warning that surrendering their votes for temporary benefits could deepen the problems they have continued to complain about.
.jpeg)
0 Comments: