RismadarVoice Reporters
October 5, 2026
Senior Pastor of Message Point Assembly, Apostle Bassey Udosen, has urged Nigerians not to exchange their votes for food, money or other short-term benefits ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Udosen, who spoke with journalists in Cross River State, said economic hardship should not prevent voters from carefully assessing the character, competence and programmes of candidates before making their choices.
He also encouraged voters to remain vigilant at polling units after casting their ballots and to follow lawful electoral procedures aimed at ensuring transparency during voting and counting.
“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,” he said.
Udosen criticised vote-buying, arguing that temporary material benefits should not determine decisions capable of affecting governance for several years.
“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 cleric said every generation had a responsibility to consider the interests of those coming after it, describing elections as an opportunity for citizens to influence the direction of the country through their votes.
He also expressed concern about the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 elections and called for peaceful campaigns and greater efforts to prevent election-related violence.
Udosen said he feared violence could occur in some parts of the country, presenting the warning as a personal spiritual concern rather than an established security forecast.
He called on churches and Christian leaders to intensify prayers for Nigeria, particularly for peace, security, credible leadership and a peaceful electoral process.
The cleric also referred to the economic and security difficulties confronting Nigerians, including kidnapping and banditry, while encouraging citizens to remain hopeful.
On the presidential election, Udosen said he would not publicly endorse any candidate, maintaining that his responsibility as a religious leader was to pray for all candidates and for the emergence of leaders capable of advancing the country.
He said churches should avoid becoming partisan political platforms and instead encourage citizens to participate responsibly in the democratic process.
Udosen urged Nigerians to approach the 2027 elections with vigilance, reject inducements and make electoral choices based on competence, character and their assessment of the country’s future.
