The National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) has called on President Bola Tinubu not to seek a second term in office, describing the performance of his administration as “manifestly disappointing.”
In a communiqué dated July 9 and signed by the forum’s National Chairman, Samuel Gani, the group said the Federal Government has fallen short in addressing Nigeria’s security, economic and social challenges.
According to the elders, the country’s current direction has created more anxiety than hope, prompting their appeal for the President to focus on national reforms rather than another election campaign.
“The direction in which the Tinubu presidency is leading the nation offers increasing apprehension rather than hope,” the communiqué stated.
The forum urged the President to use the remainder of his tenure to pursue constitutional restructuring and reforms that would strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system.
”…President Tinubu should please desist from seeking re-election for a second term and instead commit the rest of his tenure to restructuring Nigeria and giving her a new constitution,” the group added.
The NCEF also renewed its criticism of the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, describing it as insensitive in view of the country’s security challenges and the experiences of many Christian communities affected by violence.
The Christian elders further urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain impartial and conduct credible elections, while cautioning the judiciary against any actions that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
On the issue of power rotation, the forum said although the arrangement is not backed by the Constitution, it remains important for national unity, fairness and inclusion. It therefore encouraged support for a southern presidential candidate in 2027 to complete what it described as the South’s remaining four-year turn.
The group also called for an independent investigation into the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) controversy, alleging that the incident raised concerns about the integrity of public institutions.
According to the NCEF, Nigerians are yearning for meaningful change, warning that citizens’ patience amid prolonged economic hardship should not be taken for granted.
