A coalition of Christian Youths under the aegis of Christian Association of Nigeria (Youth Wing) has warned Nigerians to eschew violence and bloodshed in the 2023.

The group said the election was a litmus test for Nigeria’s unity and could not be traded for anything.

The organisation also faulted politicians making derogatory utterances against their political opponents, saying the nation could not afford war at this period.

YOWICAN warned that every political party in Nigeria or candidate had the right to campaign in any state, zone or region of their choice without restriction.

The Igbo youths under the auspices of the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders had, in August, warned groups and individuals promoting the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to steer clear from the zone.

Earlier this week, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Babafemi Hamzat during a solidarity walk staged for Tinubu in Lagos said the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi should go back to his state and campaign, adding that Obi is campaigning in Lagos after “they developed and stabilised” the South-West state.

But reacting to the utterances, the national chairman of YOWICAN, Belusochukwu Enwere, said election must not be won with violence.

He said, “Every political party in Nigeria has right to campaign in an state, zone or region of their choice without restriction. Nigeria cannot afford to enter into any war because of selfish individuals and groups that earns its livelihood through violence.

“The 2023 election is a litmus test for Nigeria’s unity and we cannot trade it for anything. Nigerians must be allowed to choose who they want to lead them without intimidation and harassment.

“While praying for a peaceful election, I call on security agencies, to arrest and prosecute persons or groups instigating violence during and after this electioneering period. This measure is to ensure peace and tranquility in Nigeria.”