A Kaduna-based pastor, Yohanna Buru, has called on Nigerians to intensify prayers for peaceful conduct of the 2027 general elections, saying he has mobilised 100,000 religious leaders to lead prayer and fasting sessions across the country.
Buru, the General Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, disclosed this on Tuesday while speaking to journalists at his church in Kaduna.
He said the initiative involved 50,000 imams and 50,000 pastors, who would work towards promoting peaceful elections, discouraging violence and encouraging national unity.
“We have to embark on ceaseless prayer and fasting to make Nigeria better. And we must support our leaders with prayers so that God can direct them well,” he said.
According to the cleric, religious leaders have an important role to play as political activities intensify ahead of the elections, noting that sermons, Juma’at prayers and church announcements could help discourage political thuggery and hate speech.
Buru said the initiative, which had been organised in previous election periods, would be expanded in 2027 to reach communities across all states and local government areas.
“This is not the first time we are doing this. But for 2027, we are taking it to every state and every local government. We want the message to reach the grassroots,” he said.
Under the initiative, religious leaders will use Friday and Sunday worship services, radio, television and social media to promote peace, forgiveness and unity.
The plan also includes special prayer sessions for Nigeria and security personnel serving across the country.
“We will be praying for our soldiers, police, Civilian JTF and vigilantes. They are the ones standing between us and chaos. They need God’s protection,” Buru added.
Despite the security challenges facing the country, the pastor expressed optimism that Nigeria would conduct peaceful elections in 2027.
“By God’s grace, we will have a peaceful election in 2027,” he said.
Buru also urged politicians to conduct their activities peacefully, respect electoral rules and avoid inflammatory statements capable of heightening political tension.
“Leadership is service, not war. Avoid hate speech, avoid incitement. Sell your ideas, not insults,” he said.
He also called on young people to reject attempts by politicians or their supporters to recruit them for ballot-box snatching, violence and other electoral offences.
“You are not thugs. You are ambassadors of peace. Protect democracy,” he charged.
The cleric emphasised the need for religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of different faiths.
“We must remember we are one family under God. We are all children of Adam and Eve. We have different holy books, but we worship one God,” he said.
Supporting the initiative, a Muslim cleric, Mallam Musa Mohammed, described peaceful coexistence as a religious responsibility and an important condition for national development.
“Peace is our religious duty. If there is no peace, there will be no development. We must join hands to make Nigeria better,” he said.
Buru said the campaign would involve town hall meetings, media programmes and visits to schools and markets in the coming months.
He added that religious leaders intended to begin peace-building efforts well ahead of election day, as political parties intensify consultations and preparations for the 2027 general elections.
