Nigerians had taken to their polling units on Saturday 25th February to play their part in deciding the fate of the country through their votes for the seat of the country’s president.
Owing to the various governmental problems, insecurity, and economic itch, the citizens had decided to put a stop to this and vote for the right candidate. Prior to election day, there had been a lot of prophecies from ministers of God regarding the election. Also, banters and several controversies were seen on social media on this issue.
A popular Nigeria Artist, Dunsin Oyekan, posted a video of Bishop Oyedepo of Living Faith Church on Instagram. In the video, the Nigerian preacher laid emphasis on the citizens not “voting for balloons” but competence. The caption read; “Don’t vote for balloon promises; vote competence!”
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The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, had also talked about the elections on his official Twitter handle. He said; “Nigeria has voted, praise God for this grace. My prayer now is that counting and declarations are honest – and that the new President of this great nation serves all the people, especially the poorest and most vulnerable.”
Nigeria has voted, praise God for this grace. My prayer now is that counting and declarations are honest – and that the new President of this great nation serves all the people, especially the poorest and most vulnerable.
— Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) February 26, 2023
Tearfund, a UK-based organisation that works with churches in tackling extreme poverty and injustice around the world, also posted prayers concerning the election on Twitter. This prayer was retweeted by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
‘We really welcome your prayers for these elections. We don’t want them to be overshadowed by violence. We are desperate for peace and for Nigeria to flourish.’ – Joseph Aloo, Tearfund Country Director in Nigeria. pic.twitter.com/qV475yepKV
— Tearfund (@Tearfund) February 25, 2023
Religion has a major role to play in the 2023 Nigeria election, as the voters are majorly either Christians or Muslims. Hence, prior to the election Christian religious leaders of various churches had admonished their congregation on praying and voting for God’s chosen candidate and not to vote by sight.
Reminded that Christians in Nigeria had faced a lot of challenges and persecution as a result of political unrest, the people are bent on voting rightly and hoping to have honest election results.