The Christian Social Movement of Nigeria, (CSMN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to abandon his second bid, citing worsening
security situation, economic hardship under his administration.
Addressing a world press conference on Friday via zoom, the group said persistent attacks by terrorists and other armed groups had exposed serious weaknesses in the government’s ability to protect citizens and safeguard the nation’s sovereignty
In a statement read by its Chairman, Governing Council, Elder Sunday Oibe, CSMN said the continued killing of innocent Nigerians was “a national tragedy and a profound failure of the State’s most fundamental responsibility: the protection of life.”
It called on the federal government to take decisive and sustained action against terrorism while demanding greater transparency over the identity, financing, objectives, and networks of violent groups operating across the country.
The organisation expressed particular concern that insecurity in parts of the North East, North West and North Central could undermine the credibility of the 2027 elections by preventing displaced and vulnerable citizens from participating.
“Displaced citizens must not become invisible citizens,” it said, insisting that Nigerians must be able to register, obtain electoral documents, travel safely to polling centres, and vote without intimidation
CSMN also renewed its call for a new constitution, arguing that the 1999 Constitution had failed to adequately address Nigeria’s political, ethnic, religious and federal realities.
The group advocated a “genuinely negotiated Constitution” and supported renewed dialogue on the principles of the 1963 Republican Constitution, particularly greater devolution of responsibilities.
On the Electoral Act 2026, CSMN expressed concern about provisions it said had narrowed the grounds upon which elections could be challenged, particularly in relation to qualification issues such as certificate forgery.
It said the development required serious national debate, especially given continuing public controversies surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s academic credentials.
“The 2027 election must be an election, not a coronation,” the organisation declared.
The group also criticised the socio economic conditions confronting Nigerians, citing insecurity, unemployment, food insecurity, high living costs, and inadequate electricity. It referenced the World Bank’s assessment that about 61 per cent of Nigerians were below the national poverty line, while 79 per cent were poor or vulnerable to poverty.
On religion and governance, CSMN restated its opposition to the Muslim Muslim presidential ticket, stressing that its position was not opposition to Muslims but concern about religious balance and perceptions of inclusion in governance.
It cited Section 10 of the Constitution, which states that “The Government of the Federation or of a State shall not adopt any religion as State Religion.”
The organisation urged the Nigerian Church to overcome political fragmentation and work towards a Christian Political Consensus Project ahead of 2027.
It further endorsed the position of the National Christian Elders Forum that President Tinubu should not seek a second term, citing what it described as sub optimal performance, insecurity, economic hardship and accountability concerns.
CSMN urged the President to use the remainder of his tenure to strengthen democratic institutions, secure the country and facilitate constitutional reform.
It said Nigeria must choose “the path of democracy, justice, security, accountability, constitutional reform and equal citizenship.”
It also urged Christians to participate peacefully in the 2027 electoral process, stressing that its objective was “equal citizenship, constitutional democracy, freedom of worship, justice and security for all.”
