Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has urged Christians to vote based on a candidate’s qualifications rather than the political party to which he or she belongs in the next presidential election.
The governor claims that the nation needs someone who can rescue it from its current economic and security problems.
At the All Nations Evangelism Ministries, ANEM 2022 annual conference held at IBB Square in Makurdi, the state capital, Governor Ortom issued the charge to attendees on Saturday.
He emphasised that several socioeconomic and security issues faced the nation, making it imperative for Christians to cast their votes for candidates who will represent the interests of the country rather than their own partisanship.
According to Governor Ortom, “The 2023 election is going to be different. We shall not be foolish enough to vote according to political parties. We shall vote in 2023 according to the election. Nobody should fool you.”
“You must save your future and that of your children. You must save the future of those going to Church, you can save the Churches. Vote for the candidate of your choice but let it be someone who will not work against you tomorrow. Don’t vote according to political parties. Let them not deceive us again.”
Governor Ortom further maintained that, “In 2023 we don’t just need a President, we need someone who will deliver us from insecurity, economic woes, diminishing social life, corruption and all those things that are pulling us apart,” stressing that protecting the future of the country was key to our collective development.
He urged Christians not to be duped by people who do not have their best interests in mind for the nation, admonishing them to “don’t be carried away by all kinds of falsehood, tricks and lies and deceit by those who do not mean well for us. Let nobody deceive you to vote against the collective interest of our nation. Pray to God and vote for the right candidates and I believe that God will answer us.”
In addition, the Governor asked Christians for their prayers so that he could continue in the difficult job of running the state. He said that while it was difficult to speak up for his constituents’ interests, he was certain that with their support and prayers, he would not be discouraged.
