Archbishop Johnson Ikpeme
PATRICK ABANG, Calabar –
A US-based clergyman and Information Rector of Brotherhood College of Bishops, Archbishop Johnson Ikpeme has called on political parties in Nigeria to treat the issue of consensus candidates cautiously.
Archbishop Ikpeme, who made the call during an interview with NATIONAL ACCORD in Calabar, said consensus is not a better option for Nigerian democracy
He therefore called for a level playing field for all aspirants and politicians.
“Let there be a level playing ground for all contestants both in Cross River State and other parts of he country.
“The aspirants should be allowed to test their popularity amongst the people. Let the definition of democracy be for all and not for selected few”.
“Power should not be given to elders or stakeholders to sit down to decide who should emerge but to the people”, he said.
He further cautioned stakeholders against collecting peanuts from the highest payers to announce favourite persons as consensus candidates.
This according to him, weakens democracy and the end result makes the party to lose elections.
“This is my opinion. I do not speak as a card carrying member of any political party in Nigeria but only interested in the processes that would lead to the emergence of any generally acceptable candidates for 2023 general election.” The Archbishop said.
