By Asuquo Cletus, Calabar
A Cross River State-based clergyman, Apostle Dr Bassey Udosen, has warned Nigerians against trading their votes for food, money and other temporary benefits ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The cleric also advised Nigerians to remain at their polling units after voting to ensure that their votes were protected and properly counted.
Udosen, the Senior Pastor of Message Point Assembly in Cross River State, gave the warning in an interview to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary, urging voters to consider the long-term consequences of their choices at the ballot box.
He said, “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.”
Udosen particularly cautioned voters against accepting food items in exchange for their votes, arguing that temporary benefits should not determine decisions that could affect the future of the country.
“How many cups of rice will you continue collecting? Some of you will collect 10 cups of rice and sell your birthright,” he said.
The Cross River pastor urged Nigerians to examine the character and competence of candidates before voting, rather than allowing poverty and immediate personal needs to determine their choices.
He said every generation had a responsibility to make sacrifices for those coming after it, adding that elections should be viewed as an opportunity for citizens to determine the direction of the country.
Udosen also expressed concern over the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 elections, saying he foresaw serious 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, credible leadership and a peaceful electoral process.
The cleric said Nigerians had continued to face economic hardship, killings, kidnapping and banditry but maintained that citizens still had reasons to appreciate the preservation of life and pray for the country.
“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 leadership, Udosen said he would not publicly endorse any presidential candidate, explaining that his responsibility as a clergyman was to pray for all candidates and for the emergence of a leader capable of moving the country forward.
He maintained that the church should remain a father to all and avoid being perceived as partisan, while urging Nigerians to approach the 2027 elections with vigilance and a strong sense of responsibility.
