Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, the Archbishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, has urged Nigerians to shun voting based on ethnic, religious, or political sentiments in the 2023 election for the development of the country.
He suggested that Nigerians should vote for someone capable of tackling the perennial challenges facing the country for its peaceful coexistence.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV on Friday on the type of leaders, particularly the person that should be elected by Nigerians as the next Nigerian President, he advised that it was very important for Nigerians to see through them and choose wisely.
According to Bishop Kukah, the era of rhetorics must be put behind Nigerians, and the electorates must sieve and interrogate the presidential candidates on their ideology, plans, and governance style before making their choice.
He added that it was important for the political actors, particularly the presidential candidates, to listen to the young people, understand their frustrations, and align their agenda toward assuaging their grievances for a better Nigeria.
He explained, “The passion that drove people in 2015 has dissipated. The people have understood they were lied to and we have all seen the consequences of religious manipulations.”
According to him, the young people have become aware of this and are asking the right questions. He urged the politicians to go to the nooks and crannies of Nigerians to sell their convictions.
Bishop Kukah noted that the energy in this coming election is tremendous, stressing that he is excited about the energy of the young people and their attention to the country’s election.
He strongly believed that Nigerians are energised and have a choice to make, advising them to ensure they see through the candidates and make the right choice to get the desired outcome.
