Christian clerics under the auspices of Clerics Congress of Nigeria (CCN) in conjunction with the United Reformed Bishops and Apostles of Nigeria, have endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term.
The convener of the coalition, Bishop Timothy Cheren announced the endorsement at news conference on the sidelines of the 2026 National Election Peace Prayer Conference in Abuja.
Cheren said that the decision followed prayers, reflection and an assessment of the direction of the country under Tinubu’s leadership.
According to him, the clerics considered the future, unity, peace, security and economic prosperity of Nigeria before arriving at the decision.
Cheren said that the Tinubu administration had embarked on significant economic and structural reforms, some of which had brought immediate difficulties and hardship to Nigerians.
He, however, said that reform such as fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange reforms, improved revenue generation, infrastructure development, student loan initiatives, agricultural interventions and economic restructuring, informed their position.
He said that as clerics, they believed that the country should not abandon the opportunity to consolidate the reforms before their full potential could be realised.
According to him, the expectation is that the policies would translate into more employment opportunities, affordable living conditions, stronger purchasing power, improved security, industrial expansion and sustainable economic growth.
“After careful consideration, prayer, reflection and assessment of the direction of our nation, we hereby formally endorse President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, for a second term in office in the 2027 presidential election.
“We recognise that the present administration has undertaken significant economic and structural reforms and some have brought immediate difficulties, hardship and adjustments for ordinary Nigerians.
“We believe the coming four years can become a significant period of economic recovery, investment expansion and national prosperity if the reforms are properly implemented and their benefits reach ordinary Nigerians,” he said.
The cleric, however, acknowledged the concerns and expectations of Nigerians over the prevailing economic challenges, urging the government to continue responding with compassion, effective policies and practical relief.
He said that the government must ensure that the benefits of policies were felt by ordinary citizens, calling for intensified efforts towards economic relief, national reconciliation, security and inclusive development.
Cheren said that the endorsement was not motivated by religious or ethnic considerations,
saying that the clergy has a responsibility to promote peace, encourage good governance, foster national unity and pray for those entrusted with leadership.
Cheren said that the clerics envisaged a Nigeria that would overcome its present challenges and experience peace, prosperity, stability and national greatness through prayer, wisdom, responsible leadership and collective responsibility.
He added that their vision for the country included improved electricity, modern transportation, better healthcare, quality education, stronger security, thriving businesses, expanding industries and meaningful employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
The clerics maintained that the Tinubu administration should be given the opportunity to consolidate its reforms and pursue its long-term economic transformation agenda.
He, however, urged the government to ensure that development and economic opportunities reached all regions and segments of the population.
