Christian faithful across 11 local government areas of Ibadanland have endorsed Sen. Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential candidate, for the 2023 presidential election.
Led by their leaders, under the banner of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), they converged on Saturday at Ilaji Resort, Ibadan, to pray for Tinubu and his Vice, Kashim Shettima, to emerge victorious at the poll.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Chief Dotun Sanusi, the Otun-Apesinola of Ibadanland, and the Chief Executive Officer of Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resorts sponsored the event.
NAN reports the event featured special prayers for Nigeria, Oyo State, and the APC presidential candidate.
Sanusi said that the Christian faith had come together to pray for Nigeria, and Oyo State and take a fundamental step in the endorsement of Tinubu as the president comes 2023.
The convener, represented by Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, said that they could no longer afford to sit on the fence because they are traditional or religious leaders.
According to him, if we decided not to participate in what they are doing, then suspected criminals will rule us.
Sanusi said he believed in development, progress, economic emancipation, social justice, religious tolerance, political stability, and adequate security of the country.
The convener said that he could not, as a successful entrepreneur, fold his arm to see the country derailing from the path of progress.
“I have sacrificed millions of naira as an employer of labor. My likes won’t be here and be playing to the gallery on who becomes the political head of this country.
“The only person we have that can move the country forward, ensure adequate security and bring economic stability to this country, is Bola Tinubu. He has done it before, I have confidence in him,” he said.
In his remarks, Rev. (Dr) Titus Morakinyo, the General Coordinator, of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Ibadanland, said they were invited to the program by Sanusi.
Morakinyo said, “as Christians and Pastors, we are fathers to all the political parties.”
He said that there was no crime in the Yorubas demanding the presidency, adding, “politics in Nigeria has been between the North and South.”
According to him, it has to come somebody’s turn. If you look at Nigerian politics, being North and South, there is no problem. If the North has done it, it has to come to the South.
“Once it is coming to the South, it is not criminal for Yorubas to aspire for the seat since they are part of the South,” he said.
The cleric urged the people to pray fervently for God’s mercy to have a violent-free election and smooth transition of power.
Also, Pastor Olusoji Adediji, the Olubadan Palace’s Chaplain, said they were at the event to endorse and pray for Tinubu’s victory.
“Today, we are all here to endorse and pray for Bola Tinubu to become Nigeria’s President comes 2023,” he said.
Commenting, an APC Chieftain, Dr (Mrs) Ronke Carew, described Tinubu as the most competent of all the presidential candidates and generally acceptable across the six geo-political zones.
Carew appreciated the Christian faithful for coming out en masse to endorse and pray for Tinubu, urging them to also vote en masse for Tinubu’s victory at the polls.