Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A coalition of Christian political leaders and stakeholders has issued a blunt and uncompromising demand to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to abandon any plan to seek re‑election in 2027 and instead devote the remainder of his tenure to restructuring Nigeria and delivering a new constitution. The group, operating under the banner "Christians in Politics, Nigeria," made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency meeting on the state of the nation held in Abuja on August 17, 2026. The forum expressed deep concern over what it described as the Federal Government's "hugely sub-optimal" performance in national security, economic development and the welfare of Nigerians, arguing that the situation was inconsistent with the constitutional responsibility of government.
The communiqué, which was shared with SaharaReporters, did not mince words in its assessment of the Tinubu administration. "The Tinubu-led Federal Government's performance in the critical areas of national security, economic development and the wellbeing of the citizenry has been hugely sub‑optimal and manifestly disappointing," the forum declared. It quoted Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that "the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government," and argued that the current administration had fallen short of that obligation. The group said the direction of the country under Tinubu had generated "apprehension rather than hope," and that all patriots now had no option but to call on the President to desist from seeking a second term. "Instead, like a statesman with an eye on history and posterity, he should earnestly commit the rest of his tenure to restructuring Nigeria and giving her a new constitution," the communiqué read.
The forum also renewed its fierce opposition to the Muslim‑Muslim presidential ticket, which it described as "tone‑deaf and grossly insensitive," particularly at a time when insecurity and violence continued to ravage the country. "His Muslim‑Muslim presidency ticket is tone‑deaf and grossly insensitive, particularly at a period like now when insecurity and violence continue to ravage the country, and citizens of all faiths deserve a government that reflects national diversity and inclusion," the group said. The forum also warned that the continuation of the Muslim‑Muslim ticket could deepen religious divisions and political exclusion, a concern that has been echoed by other Christian groups in recent weeks.
Beyond the presidency, the forum made a series of far‑reaching demands. It called for the immediate implementation of the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference and urged ethnic nationalities, socio‑cultural organisations and other interest groups to jointly spearhead the demand for a new constitution before the 2027 general elections. The group also put the judiciary on notice, warning that Nigeria was now at a "tipping point" and could no longer afford any semblance of judicial bias in the handling of electoral disputes. "That the judiciary be put on notice that the nation is now at a tipping point and can no longer afford any semblance of judicial bias in their handling of electoral matters," the communiqué stated. The forum also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain its independence and neutrality, reminding the electoral body that it was not an arm of any political party but a federal institution that must remain beyond reproach.
The forum's intervention has drawn both support and sharp criticism. The National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF), a separate but ideologically aligned group, had earlier issued a similar call in July 2026, urging Tinubu to drop his re‑election bid and criticising the Muslim‑Muslim ticket as "tone‑deaf" at a time when Christians were victims of violence. However, the Arewa Think Tank has rejected the NCEF's position, insisting that no religious organisation has the authority to determine who Nigerians should elect. The Convener of the Arewa Think Tank, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, described the NCEF's call as an attempt to politicise religion and intimidate the President, maintaining that only the electorate has the constitutional right to decide who occupies the nation's highest office. "No religious group can pressure, determine or dictate what Nigerians want. No pressure group can intimidate Mr President out of contesting the 2027 presidential election," Yakubu said.
As the 2027 elections approach, the Christian forum's demand has added a powerful voice to the growing chorus of opposition to Tinubu's re‑election bid. The group's call for a new constitution, its criticism of the Muslim‑Muslim ticket, and its warning to the judiciary and INEC reflect a deep-seated anxiety about the direction of the country under the current administration. Whether President Tinubu will heed the call or press ahead with his re‑election plans remains to be seen, but the forum has made its position unmistakably clear: the era of silence is over, and the time for accountability is now.
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