By FELIX Cletus Albert
The Cross River State Indigenous Gospel Ministers (CRSIGM) Forum has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to present a Christian vice-presidential candidate with a credible military or security background ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a strongly worded position statement issued on Monday, the Forum said the demand was both a matter of national balance and a strategic necessity to confront Nigeria’s deepening security crisis.
The group stressed that Nigeria’s secular framework and religious diversity must be reflected at the highest levels of leadership, warning that any repeat of a same-faith presidential ticket could further strain national cohesion.
“Such a decision is not merely symbolic, but essential for restoring national balance, strengthening unity, and addressing Nigeria’s worsening security challenges,” the statement read.
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CRSIGM argued that beyond religious representation, competence in security governance must now take centre stage. It maintained that a vice-presidential candidate with a solid military or security background would enhance strategic decision-making and improve the country’s response to terrorism, banditry, and violent crime.
“Nigeria is in dire need of strategic, experience-driven leadership in the area of security. A Vice President with military expertise will not only complement governance but also strengthen tactical responses to insecurity,” the Forum stated.
Demand for immediate Action
The Forum also issued a clear warning to the Federal Government, insisting that political assurances alone would no longer suffice without measurable improvements in security.
It called for urgent and tangible progress, including a significant reduction in terrorist attacks and banditry, improved intelligence gathering, and better coordination among security agencies.
CRSIGM further urged the government to prioritise the welfare, equipment, and morale of security personnel, while strengthening collaboration between federal, state, and community-based security structures.
Strategic recommendations
To tackle the country’s security challenges, the Forum outlined a series of policy recommendations, including comprehensive security sector reforms to enhance efficiency and accountability.
It advocated the inclusion of experienced retired military officers in advisory and executive roles, alongside the expansion of community policing initiatives to bolster grassroots intelligence.
The group also recommended the deployment of modern surveillance technologies such as drones and data-driven intelligence systems, as well as economic interventions aimed at addressing unemployment and poverty, factors it identified as root causes of insecurity.
In addition, CRSIGM emphasised the need for swift prosecution of offenders to restore public confidence and strengthen deterrence.
Conditional Political warning
In a pointed political caution, the Forum stated that the support of Christians across Nigeria would hinge on inclusive political decisions and demonstrable governance outcomes.
It warned that the 2027 general elections would effectively serve as a referendum on leadership sensitivity, national unity, and the government’s ability to protect lives and property.
“Issues of representation, equity, and security will remain central to national discourse as political alignments begin to emerge,” the statement added.
The statement was jointly signed by the State Chairman, Evangelist Stephen Egege Atukanre, and the State Secretary, Rev. Dr. Edet Okon.
