By Joe Ephraim, Calabàr
Nigerians have been urged not to surrender their votes for food, money or other temporary benefits during the 2027 general elections, with the Senior Pastor of Message Point Assembly, Apostle Dr Bassey Udosen, warning that such decisions could deepen the problems confronting the country.
Udosen gave the warning in an interview to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary, urging voters to approach the 2027 elections with vigilance, courage and a strong sense of responsibility.
The cleric said Nigerians should look beyond immediate personal gains and consider the long-term consequences of electing leaders who may lack the capacity or commitment to address the country’s challenges.
He particularly condemned the practice of exchanging votes for food items, describing it as a decision capable of mortgaging the future of individuals and the nation.
“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 allow their consciences to guide their decisions at the ballot box, stressing that every generation had a responsibility to make sacrifices for those coming after it.
He also advised Nigerians to carefully assess the character, competence and track record of candidates before casting their votes rather than voting based on temporary inducements.
The pastor further urged voters not to abandon the electoral process after casting their ballots, insisting that citizens must remain at polling units to protect their votes and ensure that the results reflect their choices.
“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.
He said poverty and disappointment with government should not discourage Nigerians from participating in the elections, maintaining that staying away from the process would not solve the country’s problems.
According to him, citizens must take ownership of the electoral process by voting for candidates they believe can provide responsible and effective leadership.
Udosen also expressed concern over the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 elections, saying he foresaw possible bloodshed in some parts of the country if urgent prayers and preventive measures were not taken.
“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, peaceful elections and the emergence of credible leadership.
The cleric said Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary should not only be marked by reflection on the country’s challenges but also by appreciation for the preservation of life and renewed commitment to building a better 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.
On political endorsements, Udosen said he would not publicly support any presidential candidate, stressing that the church should remain a father to all and avoid being perceived as partisan.
He said his responsibility as a clergyman was to pray for all candidates and for the emergence of a leader capable of moving the country forward.
Udosen urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and recognise that the future of the country would depend not only on those seeking political office but also on the choices citizens make at the ballot box.
He warned that trading votes for temporary benefits could perpetuate the very problems Nigerians have continued to complain about, urging citizens to sacrifice for the future and use their votes to demand better leadership.
