By Stephen Adeleye.
The Kogi chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Monday said it did not endorsed any party or candidate for the Nov. 16 governorship election in the state.
Bishop John Ibenu, its chairman, gave the assurance at the Stakeholders Meeting with Political Parties for the Nov. 16 elections in Kogi, held at Chapel of Freedom Int’l, Lokoja.
”CAN aligns with the directive of the National body and we are under instructions from National, that we are the father of all political parties.
”We are open to all; we embrace all, we will help all, and anybody who seeks our help, we are able to help them.
”However, in elections, the main actors need the vote and support of the people and in order to get the people, you need to convince them by your communication,” he said.
Ibenu said that the essence of the meeting was for political parties to come and introduce themselves to CAN and tell us their manifestos, plans and programmes; what they intend to do for Kogi people, and why people should vote for them especially Christians.
He noted that CAN invited 12 political parties but was hopeful that any other one that come would also be attend to there were 23 political parties participating in the election according to INEC.
He urged the people especially Christians to get their PVCs and get ready to go and vote for the candidate of their choice, urging them not to listen to rumours that the elections would be characterised with violence.
”The political parties have promised to behave themselves, so CAN is urging all the electorate to come out and vote peacefully, and elect the candidate of their choice.
“CAN is a spiritual and religious organisation, and not a political organisation. All our members belong to as many political parties of their choice and they are free to do so,” Ibenu restated.
The chairman said that CAN had on May 8, 2019, conducted Christian Voters Sensitisation programme with no fewer than 500 persons in attendance, and over 25, 000 leaflets printed and distributed.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that eight out of the 12 political parties invited by CAN, were present at the meeting which includes: PDP, ANRP, ADC, CPN, GDPN, PPN, PPP and Accord Party, while the ruling APC was absent.
All the political parties took their turns to reel out their manifestos, plans and programmes. They all enjoined CAN members to support them.
Engr. Emmanuel Orugun, a governorship candidate of Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP), promised to focus on youth empowerment, agriculture, job creation and infrastructural development.
NAN reports that executive members of all the five blocks of CAN were fully represented at the meeting.
