Niger State Christian Youths have declared support and solidarity for the Action Democratic Party (ADP) Governorship Candidate, Honorable Isah Kawu saying he is their candidate for the March 9th elections.
The stand was made after the meeting of the Niger State Christian Youth Forum held in Minna.
Citing the reasons for their support, the Youths said they took into cognizance the capacity of the candidates which was placed alongside the backdrop of their vision and core objectives to see an all-inclusive Niger State where Christians are given level playing ground in every aspect of the state’s governance and development.
The youths stated that Isah Kawu’s credibility, integrity and legacy as Speaker is common knowledge adding that even his adversaries attest to his credibility, integrity and exemplary representation in the House.
The Forum lamented the inability of the two major political parties, PDP and APC to consider a Muslim-Christian ticket, a move which they applauded the ADP for adopting.
In a communique issued at the end of the Forum, the youths said the recommendations was made in good faith adding that they were encouraged at the number of Christians contesting elections this year.
“Going down memory lane, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, had issued a press release sometime in October 2018 requesting political parties that needed Christian votes to nominate a Christian deputy at least on their Governorship tickets among others.
“Sadly, the major parties, namely APC and PDP, ignored CAN request, only ADP responded to this request. Thus, the door, as usual, was shut against Christians in these parties, despite our contributions over the years to their growth and victory in previous elections.
“However, while we are encouraged by the number of Christians contesting elections in this dispensation, we are aware that if the body of Christ must make a bold and victory-swinging statement this Saturday, 9th March, 2019, we must ensure we do not scatter our votes in different directions for the political parties.”
The youths further explained why they were not supporting the Christian Governorship candidate, Joshua Bawa saying that his political party had not the structure nor acceptance to win the Governorship election.
“While we look forward to the near future when, by God’s grace and with very strong participation of Christians in the political process, Christian votes will deliver the Governorship to a Christian, the reality right now is that we are not there yet.
“We commend our brother, Honourable Joshua Bawa’s bold Governorship candidature; however, APGA has neither the structure, spread nor acceptance to win the Governorship election in Niger State. In view of this, we believe that a vote for our brother cannot win the Governorship come Saturday 09/03/2019, and that we cannot afford right now.”
The group further explained why they are not going to give their votes to the present governor while describing the PDP candidate as a moral burden.
“In view of our experience under the current administration, we consider the subject of the re-election of the sit-in Governor as dead on arrival!
“What about Nasko of the PDP? Except for sentiments that one is a member of PDP and that Nasko is young, the young man has a moral burden. His case with EFCC is still on.
“Isah Kawu is the only candidate that has a well-documented blueprint to rescue Niger State from the current rot we are witnessing. We believe that Christians in Niger State, indigenes and settlers alike, are better off with an Isah Kawu and ADP Government.”
