The group made the demand in a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency meeting on the state of the nation held in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.

The Christians in Politics, Nigeria, a forum of Christian political leaders and stakeholders, has called on President Bola Tinubu to abandon plans to seek re-election in 2027 and instead devote the remainder of his tenure to restructuring the country and giving Nigeria a new constitution.

The group made the demand in a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency meeting on the state of the nation held in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.

The forum expressed concerns over what it described as the Federal Government’s poor performance in national security, economic development and the welfare of Nigerians, arguing that the situation was inconsistent with the constitutional responsibility of government.

According to the communiqué, “the Tinubu-led Federal Government’s performance in the critical areas of national security, economic development and the wellbeing of the citizenry has been hugely sub-optimal and manifestly disappointing vis-à-vis the unequivocal specification of Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which states that ‘the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.’”

The group said the direction of the country under the Tinubu administration had generated apprehension rather than hope, urging the President to reconsider his reported ambition to contest for another term in office.

“That the direction in which the nation is being led by the Tinubu presidency offers increasing apprehension rather than hope,” the communiqué stated.

“This state of affairs has left all patriots with no option but to call on President Tinubu to desist frm seeking re-election for a second term. Instead, like a statesman with an eye on history and posterity, he should earnestly commit the rest of his tenure to restructuring Nigeria and giving her a new constitution.”

Christians in Politics also criticised the continued Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, describing it as insensitive in view of the security challenges facing the country.

The forum said, “his Muslim-Muslim presidency ticket is tone-deaf and grossly insensitive, particularly at a period like now when insecurity and violence continue to ravage the country, and citizens of all faiths deserve a government that reflects national diversity and inclusion.”

The group further called for the implementation of the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference and urged ethnic nationalities, socio-cultural organisations and other interest groups to jointly spearhead the demand for a new constitution before the 2027 general elections.

It said, “the 2014 national confab be implemented, the call for a new constitution for Nigeria before the 2027 elections be jointly spearheaded forthwith by the ethnic nationalities, socio-cultural groups, and other relevant interest groups.”

The forum also warned the judiciary against any action that could create the perception of bias in the handling of electoral disputes, saying Nigeria had reached a critical point.

“That the judiciary be put on notice that the nation is now at a tipping point and can no longer afford any semblance of judicial bias in their handling of electoral matters,” it said.

On the Independent National Electoral Commission, the group urged the electoral body to maintain its independence and neutrality ahead of future elections.

It said INEC should “remind itself that it is not an arm of any political party but a federal institution that must remain independent, neutral and beyond reproach to henceforth deliver credible, free, and fair elections in Nigeria.”

The organisation also threw its weight behind the continuation of the informal North/South rotation of the presidency, arguing that the arrangement promotes stability, equity and inclusion.

It said, “the North/South rotation of the presidency, though not a written constitutional clause, is good and effectual for national stability, equity and inclusivity.”

“For that reason, patriots are urged to support a Southern candidature in 2027 for the completion of the South’s current turn,” the group added.

Christians in Politics further expressed concern over what it described as the perceived compromise of national institutions under the current administration.

“The perceived compromise of national institutions by the current administration is reminiscent of dark periods in our history. This is unacceptable and must be brought to the quickest halt,” the communiqué stated.

The group also demanded an independent investigation into the alleged Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) scandal, describing the matter as serious.

“That the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) scandal is a serious matter. We demand an urgent, in-depth, and independent enquiry into the scandal,” it said.

The forum said the government should not take the patience of Nigerians for granted, adding that citizens were seeking a change for the better.

“That Nigerians obviously want a change for the better and the continued patience of the long-suffering public must no longer be taken for granted,” it stated.

In its concluding remarks, the group called on Nigerians across ethnic and religious divides to remain peaceful and law-abiding while working towards a better country.

“We call on all Nigerians, regardless of tribe or religion, to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and prayerful as we work together for a better Nigeria,” the communiqué stated.

The statement was signed on behalf of Christians in Politics – Nigeria by Dr Shallangwa Hassana, Hon Uche Adoms, Secretary, and Hon Aaron Daniel Ladan, Public Relations Officer and Member, Board of Trustees.

Other members listed in the communiqué include Alhassan Yakubu, Prophetess Lynda Adewale, Pastor Alani Obe, Prophetess Blessing Opanachi, Pastor Ndubuisi Ironkwe Undubisi, Hon Iko Yabo and Dr DS Wanbai.