Youth Wing, Congress of Northern Nigeria Christians (CNNC) and Coalition of Christian Groups for Good Governance Nigeria and Diaspora (COCGOG) have endorsed the candidature of Alh. Atiku Abubakar for President and Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa of the opposition People’s Democratic Party PDP for Saturday’s poll.
The group met on Monday with leaders of various Christian groups across the 19 northern states and the FCT in Abuja where they unanimously took the decision.
In a statement jointly signed by the National Youth Leader, Congress of Northern Nigeria Christians (CNNC) who is also a former National President of the Youth Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria YOWICAN, Engr. Daniel David Kadzai and National Public Affairs Officer, Coalition of Christians Groups for Good Governance Nigeria and Diaspora (COCGOG) Evang. Emmanuel Yonah said the groups resolved to work together and to create awareness across various groups to promote unity, peace and a sense of belonging among the Nigerian citizenry.
“To maintain our stand against the same faith ticket of All Progressives Congress (APC) and the strange wave of religious sentiment imported into 2023 elections campaigns widening mutual distrust among Nigerians.
“That we have agreed to work together with a view to fostering unity, peace and national cohesion before, during and after the 2023 general elections.
“After long prayers, consultations and analysis of recommendations forwarded by members of political department. The Coalition unanimously endorsed His Excellency, Alh Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, His Excellency, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.” The statement added.
Explaining why the choice of the PDP Presidential Candidate, the groups said Atiku Abubakar has good track record as Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and also head of National Economic Council between 1999- 2007.
They noted that in April, 2006 Alh. Atiku Abubakar impressed on his principal, then President Olusegun Obasanjo to pay off Nigeria’s debt. And In 2023, Nigeria needs a debt payer, not
According to them, Obasanjo/Atiku left a surplus of almost $65 billion (Foreign Reserves, Excess Crude Account, and other savings) behind, adding that, Alh. Atiku Abubakar has national and global experience. With the damage done to Nigeria we don’t need learners on the job?
“We need a President who can get us out of our debt crisis, and has the national and global experience to attract foreign direct investment to Nigeria, and the clout to restore law and order to a nation facing almost nationwide disorder.
“Atiku has consistently expressed regret on the issue of power in Nigeria. We all know power has been a big problem to Nigeria. We are glad Atiku has listed a beautiful plan to improve power generation if elected” they opined.
While noting that Nigeria needs Atiku in 2023, the group call on Nigerians to come out to vote for Atiku/Okowa this Saturday.