As permutations for the 2023 general elections continue, Youths under the auspices of Youth Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) Niger state chapter have vowed to vote massively against any political party that fields same faith ticket for the Governorship in the forthcoming general elections.
Addressing Journalists, state chairman, YOWICAN, Hon. Loyin Danladi Emmanuel explained that the same will be translated to all levels of appointments and elections.
Emmanuel who was flanked by various converners of youth organizations said “we will start with the Deputy Governorship slot.
“We are calling on all political parties in Niger state to as matter of necessity field Christian candidates as either substantive or Deputy positions and reasonable appointive offices.
“As equal stakeholders in Niger state who are concerned about the development of the state, we are ready to mobilize Christians not to support and vote massively for any political platform that will not recognize them as equal stakeholders by presenting same faith ticket for the forthcoming general elections.
The state chairman of YOWICAN noted, ,” since the return of democracy, there has been a religious biased root amongst the political class that has sidelined Christians from Governance and administration of the state. This we believe has led to the gradual reduction of government’s impact in the state.
He assured that in the forthcoming general elections any party that fields a Christian as it’s deputy governor would get the bulk of Christian votes n the state
“We, therefore, bring to the notice of all the political parties in Niger state and the well meaning stakeholders to ensure a fair spread of political participation with Christians across Niger state as opposed to the demand of major political parties are indicating to give at the moment”.
“We are convinced that whichever party gets the bulk of Christian votes will without a doubt carry the day. What we are demanding is not new in our country where we practice quota system,” Emmanuel said.
The groups maintained, ” let humanity be our first driving force and on this we stand for equity and justice. We are aware that there have been so many arguments as the population of Christians in the state, since democracy is said to be a game of numbers, it is still very well a matter of academic debate.
Also, the convenner of Nupe Christian Youth Vanguard, Engr. Alexander Tsado stated that Christians in Niger state are ready to participate at all levels and should be given equal opportunity to contribute to the development of the state.
He added,” all we are telling political parties that with our voters Cards, we will sway votes towards the party that has sympathy to the Christians in the state. They have played vital role in the growth and development of Niger state since the return to democracy in Nigeria. We are also asking for a level playing ground for everyone”.
