Nigerian archbishop calls for credible election in 2007

Published: 2005-12-21

LAGOS, Nigeria (CNS) -- Archbishop John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan of Abuja called on Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo to put the necessary machinery in place for a credible election in 2007. That would mean Obasanjo would have to vacate office in 2007, as required by Nigeria's Constitution. "Today, we hear of peaceful elections in Liberia, Tanzania and other adjoining countries. Nigeria's own should not be an exception in 2007," said Archbishop Onaiyekan, president of the Association of Episcopal Conferences of Anglophone West Africa, Dec. 18. The archbishop spoke during a carols service organized by the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria and the Nigerian Television Authority. The service was held at the National Ecumenical Center in Abuja. Archbishop Onaiyekan denounced the conduct of the 2003 elections won by the People's Democratic Party, pointing to indications that they were rigged. Obasanjo was present at the service.

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