The National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) has called on President Bola Tinubu not to seek a second term in office in the 2027 general elections, urging him instead to devote the remainder of his tenure to restructuring Nigeria and facilitating the adoption of a new constitution.
The position was contained in a resolution issued after the Forum’s July 2026 meeting, where members reviewed the state of the nation and preparations for the 2027 elections.
Signed by the Chairman of the Forum, Dr. Samuel Danjuma Gani, CON, the statement expressed dissatisfaction with the Tinubu administration’s performance, particularly in the areas of national security, economic development and citizens’ welfare.
According to the Forum, the government’s performance has fallen short of the constitutional responsibility outlined in Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
The Forum said the current direction of the country has generated growing apprehension among Nigerians rather than hope, prompting its appeal to the President to forgo another presidential bid and focus on constitutional reforms that would leave a lasting legacy.
NCEF also criticised the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, describing it as insensitive at a time when Islamist terrorists continue to carry out attacks across parts of the country, with many Christian communities among those affected by violence and killings.
The group renewed its call for a new constitution before the 2027 elections and urged ethnic nationalities, socio-cultural organisations and other interest groups to jointly champion the process.
It further called on the judiciary to remain impartial in the handling of electoral disputes, warning that the country could no longer tolerate any perception of judicial bias.
The Forum also reminded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its constitutional responsibility to remain independent, neutral and committed to conducting credible, free and fair elections.
On power rotation, NCEF said although the North-South presidency arrangement is not enshrined in the Constitution, it remains important for national stability, equity and inclusiveness. It therefore urged Nigerians to support a Southern presidential candidate in 2027 to complete what it described as the South’s remaining four-year turn.
The elders also alleged that the compromise of national institutions under the current administration was reminiscent of the military era of General Ibrahim Babangida and called for an immediate halt to such practices.
They further described the controversy surrounding the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) as an indictment on the administration and demanded an urgent, independent investigation into the matter.
The Forum concluded by stating that Nigerians were yearning for positive change and cautioned that the patience of citizens facing prolonged hardship should not be taken for granted. The resolutions were dated July 9, 2026.
