Victoria Omini
CALABAR —As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, Senior Pastor of Message Point Assembly, Apostle Dr. Bassey Udosen, has expressed concern over the 2027 general elections, warning of what he described as possible bloodshed while urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and protect their votes.
Udosen spoke in an interview marking the Independence Anniversary, where he reflected on the challenges confronting the country, including economic hardship, insecurity, killings, kidnapping and banditry.
Despite the difficulties, the cleric said Nigerians still had reasons to be grateful for the preservation of life and should continue to pray for the nation.
“As much as there is life, we cannot stop telling God thank you. Irrespective of the economy, the killings, kidnapping, banditry and all the things happening, we have to celebrate what God is doing,” he said.
However, Udosen expressed concern about the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 elections, saying he was worried that the electoral contest could be accompanied by violence in some parts of the country.
The pastor said he believed serious bloodshed could occur during the elections, although he prayed for divine intervention and a peaceful electoral process.
“I am seeing serious bloodshed that is going to take place in Nigeria. I see bloodshed within the states, but I want to pray that God Almighty, in His infinite mercy, will give His children peace,” he said.
He called on churches and Christian leaders to intensify prayers for Nigeria, particularly over insecurity, good governance and the emergence of responsible leadership.
Beyond prayers, Udosen urged Nigerians to take their civic responsibilities seriously, particularly during elections, saying citizens should not allow frustration with the political system or economic hardship to discourage them from voting.
He specifically advised voters not to leave polling units immediately after casting their ballots, but to remain within the bounds of the law and observe the process to ensure their votes are properly accounted for.
“Vote and stay there to protect your vote. Do not vote and leave and go back home. If it is going to take you the whole day, that whole day is worth sacrificing for. Spend that time, defend your vote and choose wisely,” he said.
The cleric also condemned vote buying, particularly the practice of exchanging votes for food, cash and other temporary benefits.
He warned that accepting such incentives could deprive voters of the opportunity to elect leaders capable of addressing the country's long-term challenges.
“How many cups of rice will you continue collecting? Some of you will collect 10 cups of rice and sell your birthright,” he said.
Udosen urged voters to look beyond immediate personal benefits and consider the impact of their electoral decisions on future generations.
According to him, every generation has a responsibility to make sacrifices that will improve the prospects of those coming after it.
He therefore advised Nigerians to examine the character, competence and credibility of candidates before voting, rather than allowing temporary inducements to determine their choices.
On political endorsements, Udosen said he would not publicly support any particular presidential candidate, stressing that, as a clergyman, his responsibility was to pray for all candidates and for the emergence of leadership capable of moving Nigeria forward.
He maintained that the church should remain a father to all and avoid being perceived as partisan in the political process.
While acknowledging the difficulties confronting the country, Udosen urged Nigerians not to lose hope, saying the future of Nigeria would depend not only on those seeking political office but also on the choices citizens make during elections.
He called for a peaceful, credible and responsible electoral process in 2027, urging Nigerians to vote according to their convictions, resist vote buying and remain vigilant throughout the process.
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