Methodist Bishop Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha has urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritize the security of Nigerians over any considerations for the 2027 presidential election, citing the alarming rate of killings and displacement across the country.
In a message released over the weekend in Umuahia, Bishop Onuoha expressed deep concern about the escalating security challenges in Nigeria, emphasizing that the protection of citizens from non-state actors should take precedence over political ambitions.
"The APC-led Federal Government should jettison thoughts of winning the 2027 election and instead secure the country and the citizenry first," the cleric stated, adding that "insecurity in the country is getting out of hand and requires immediate action."
The Bishop lamented the frequent reports of killings attributed to bandits, Boko Haram, and herdsmen, particularly in Plateau, Enugu, and Benue States. He called for greater urgency from President Tinubu in addressing the ongoing violence across various parts of the country.
Political Endorsements Amid Security Crisis
Bishop Onuoha criticized the current focus on political endorsements and support for the President's re-election, describing it as inappropriate given the security challenges facing the nation. He suggested that such political maneuvering portrays Nigerian politicians as insensitive to the welfare of citizens.
"When I read stories about endorsements and people jumping ship, I feel those things are secondary considering what we are faced with," the Bishop remarked. "Inasmuch as I know that politicians must talk about winning elections, in a situation where all these issues breach security, what do you do?"
He further emphasized that a truly selfless leader would focus on resolving the security challenges before seeking endorsements or campaigning for a second term.
Security Success as Political Capital
The Methodist Bishop advised the Tinubu administration that effectively addressing insecurity could serve as a stronger political advantage than current campaign efforts. He suggested that if the government successfully combats banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency, it would naturally strengthen the President's position ahead of the 2027 elections.
"If insecurity is fought to a standstill in Nigeria, the APC-led administration would not need to preach much to Nigerians regarding re-electing the President in 2027," Onuoha noted.
The Bishop's comments come amid growing concerns about the security situation in Nigeria, with various regions experiencing persistent attacks from armed groups despite government assurances of improved security measures.
