Shun vote buying, cleric urges Nigerians

As the nation looks towards the 2027 general elections, a prominent voice from the Eternal Sacred Order of The Cherubim and Seraphim, Prelate Dr. David Bob-Manuel, has issued a powerful admonition to Nigerians. His message cuts through the usual political noise, urging a fundamental shift in how citizens approach their civic duty. The Prelate’s call to shun vote-buying and reject decisions based on sentiment is a vital reminder that the choices made at the ballot box directly shape the nation's destiny.

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The church is not supposed to get involved in partisan politics; we have members who belong to different kinds of political parties, so the church should be home to everyone.

Dr. Bob-Manuel’s counsel extends to the role of the church, emphasizing its sacred duty to remain a beacon of impartiality. By staying above partisan politics, the church can better fulfill its mission to pray for God's guidance in selecting leaders who possess true capacity and integrity. This stance is crucial in a landscape where religious institutions can sometimes be drawn into political fray, potentially compromising their spiritual authority and the unity of their congregations. The Prelate's vision is one of a church that serves as a moral compass, fostering an environment where righteous leadership can emerge.

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But instead of going to the ballot and choosing the right person with our votes, you allow people to buy your vote by giving you money or whatever it may be to make you change your mind, you are certainly selling your conscience, and at the end of the day, we may certainly not get the results that we want.

From our perspective here in Nigeria, the Prelate's words resonate deeply. We understand the temptation of short-term gains offered by vote-buying, but we also recognize the long-term damage it inflicts on our governance and national development. His emphasis on 'fear of God' and voting for 'capacity' speaks to a desire for leaders who are not only politically savvy but also morally upright and genuinely committed to serving the people. This is a conversation that needs to happen across all segments of society, not just within religious circles, if we are to build a Nigeria we can all be proud of. The disconnect between the electorate's aspirations and the reality of leadership often stems from these very issues the Prelate highlights.

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So, our people should be ready to vote in their conscience, vote for capacity, people who can lead this country aright and not vote for interest and sentiment. I pray that Nigerians have the fear of God for them to do the right thing.