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Archbishop Johnson Ikpeme
By Akpan David, Calabar
A US-based Archbishop who is information director of Brotherhood College of Bishops, Johnson Ikpeme has called on political parties in Nigeria to tread the issue of consensus candidates cautiously.
The clergyman called for a level playing field for all aspirants and politicians.
In an interview, the man of God who hails from Ntan Obu community of Odukpani LGA of Cross River State said, Consensus is not a better option in Nigeria’s democracy.
“Let there be a level playing ground for all contestants both in Cross River State and the 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.
According to him, power should not be given to Elders or stakeholders to sit down to decide who should emerge but to the people.
He also cautioned stakeholders against collecting peanuts from the highest payers to announce favourite persons as consensus candidates.
The Archbishop said that such action weakens democracy, adding that 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 geberal election.”
