Stephen Adegbite, Methodist bishop and executive secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), has told Cardinal John Onaiyekan that supporting a preferred presidential candidate should not translate to disparaging other contenders.
Adegbite spoke on Friday during an interview on TVC, while reacting to recent remarks by Onaiyekan, former archbishop of Abuja, following the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House.
BACKGROUND
On July 28, the CBCN, led by Matthew Ndagoso, met with Tinubu and expressed concerns over the country’s security and economic situation.
Speaking afterwards, Onaiyekan said some persons around the president were presenting a “rosy picture” of the country and warned that the government appears determined to win future elections “by all means”.
Onaiyekan’s remarks sparked a public debate on the role of the clergy in affairs of state and politics, with some members of the presidency and the federal government labelling the cleric partisan.
‘MARKET YOUR CANDIDATE, DON’T DISCREDIT OTHERS’
Reacting, Adegbite said Nigerians are free to support candidates of their choice but should avoid undermining political opponents.
“In 2023, when Tinubu was declared winner, Cardinal Onaiyekan said he would not recognise Mr. President until the supreme court verdict, which is normal,” he said.
“But we said Nigerians have voted. And that is what people have said. But to say we don’t have a president? We told him at the time that we have a president and you cannot tell us we don’t have one.”
Adegbite added that everyone’s choice of presidential candidate should be respected.
“We have no problem with you having your own candidate. You can have your preferred candidate, but don’t run down other people’s candidates,” he said.
“Sell your own candidate. Let people see what your candidate has done that justifies him becoming the president of Nigeria.”
He said those who support Tinubu are equally entitled to campaign based on what they consider the president’s achievements.
“The people who also believe in Mr President, let them show you. People don’t even need to be told anymore,” he said.
Adegbite said Tinubu should be judged by his record in office rather than by criticism from political opponents.
“The work of Mr President will speak for him, and that is what people want,” he said.
He further criticised Onaiyekan for speaking publicly about the meeting between the CBCN and the president, stating that discussions held during such engagements should remain confidential.
“Their visit is very good, but for anybody to now take the visit of Mr President outside the villa and be making comments on it after retirement at 82, it is unacceptable,” he said.
“If a body has visited Mr. President, that should be in confidence.”
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