Presidential Election: Adeboye, Okoh, Ositelu caution Buhari, Atiku, others

Pastor Enoch Adeboye
We need mercy for Nigeria. I urge all Nigerians to keep praying for mercy for our nation. We need mercy before the election; during the election and massive dose of mercy after the election. So, keep praying for Nigeria. I charge everyone to vote. Make sure you vote, because it is our civic duty. If you don’t vote, you have no right to complain to God if the ungodly gets elected. You must vote and when you finish voting, security situations permitting, make sure you stay around till the vote is counted in your polling section and record the results. This is all I have to say and God will have mercy on all of us, because mercy is the medicine that can change one’s mess to a message. While you are praying for mercy for Nigeria include mercy for yourself, family and for your church.

Vote for APC if you want rail line in Ibadan —Amaechi

The Most Rev’d. Dr Nicholas D Okoh, The Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion

We have prayed for the leadership of the electoral body – INEC for good preparations and the will to deliver on free, fair and credible elections. The security agencies for deep commitment to effective security patrols and surveillance, prompt actions on all illegal activities to enable them maintain real peace across the nation that will provide an enabling environment for free, fair and credible elections.

To provide adequate coverage of the entire nation and being fair in treating all violations of electoral processes in the country.

We have prayed to God that the Judiciary will be firm and give fair judgments to all cases that may come to them. We also prayed for the government to restrain themselves from interfering in the electoral process that may lead to rigging of elections at all levels across the nation, using security agencies as Police, army, Navy, Air force, Civil Defence, EFCC and ICPC, Immigration services, Customs etc. The electoral umpire to have the will to resist threats and monetary inducements to rig elections.

We have prayed for traveling mercies and protection for all the agencies, institutions and organisations that will be involved in the conduct of these elections. That God may move the hearts of Nigerians to come out en-masse, resist the buying of their votes and align themselves to the will of God in casting their votes, for all politicians to avoid acts capable of provoking violence and breach of peace in our communities and cities before, during and after the elections.

Bishop Sunday Onuoha, Methodist Church, Abuja

I expect the electorate to use their PVCs according to their conscience. It is dangerous to sell their votes or be forced to vote against their conscience. The whole world is watching both the INEC and the security agencies, praying that all institutions of government abide by the rules to ensure that all candidates accept the outcome of the election. INEC has assured Nigerians that they would conduct a credible election and I want to plead with Nigerians to hold them accountable. I plead with the Federal Government to equip the police for the election and only bring in the military, where the Police are overwelmed. I am worried about the kind of  words being used by politicians during this campaign which if not checked may give a negative image to our country

Primate Rufus Okikiola Ositelu, The Church of the Lord Worldwide, Ogere-Remo, Ogun State

From all indications, all the agencies of government and observers seem to be ready for the elections. But the majority of the voters appear not to appreaciate the importance of exercise. Many of them are interested in material inducements than voting for credible and intelligent Candidate that will deliver the Nigeria of our dream. We are praying seriously against violence during the elections. We are praying to God to grant us peaceful elections.  We are on a journey, but we are not at our destination yet. I expect that at the end of the day, majority of Nigerians will choose the lesser evil among the two leading candidates. Though, for the first time after a long while, Nigerians have the opportunity to choose an intelligent, vibrant, credible and God-Fearing candidate. Unfortunately, majority of the voters are living in abject poverty, and are therefore unable to make such choice. But very soon, we shall get to that level to make the right choices.

Bishop Olukunle Amoo

The elections will not divide Nigerians and Nigeria.  We are praying for the nation. God rules in the affairs of all men and He will choose the right leader for this great nation.  Our politicians should not see it as a do-or-die affair. It’s not a battle between life and death. It’s a call to service. And whoever has ulterior motives rather than serving the nation should be careful. Our politicians should learn from other climes in the western nation.

The general public should not be intimidated or be repressed with views of what has happened since 1999 when we have been voting, people should exercise their civic duty; vote in candidates of your choice, and vote out whoever you dont want; your vote is your weapon.

Bishop Omoniyi Titus, Remo Diocese

The election is seen as do-or-die by some politicians; let me appeal to them to take the result of the election in good Spirit, Parents should caution their children; above all, let’s pray for peace and unity in our nation.

Faulkner Oladimeji, King’s Household Ministry, Ibadan

I think the government for many reasons, are prepared for the elections. They have been supportive to INEC at all fronts. but the police appear  not adequately prepared in my opinion, though the acting Inspector General (IG), has reshuffled some state police commissioners, all because of  the 2019 elections. Politicans have been mobilising people through big rallies and campaigns all over the country. We can say they are ready for elections but the big question is are they ready for the governance and delivering on their electoral  promises? The voting population has never been dispirited like they are right now owing to disappointments from politicians  and failed electoral promises. But I urge all and sundry not to give up but to speak with our votes; it’s our civic duty to our nation. Just as I said earlier, I fear people might not turn out as it should be and unpopular candidates might emerge winners and that will be bad for our democracy. So also is the problem of hate speeches as a certain governor threatened foreign observers at town hall meetings with presidential and vice-presidential  candidates. I feel nobody  really appears committed to admitting the results of elections in good faith and that’s a bad signal that violence might erupt if we aren’t careful. As a servant of God, despite this visible challenges, Nigeria will be better for it, and I advise according to the scriptures that righteousness  exalts a nation and sin is a reproach; we should embrace righteousness and return to God; also, we should pursue peace and national interest.

Venerable Moses Olusoji Akinola

The elections need the grace and mercy of God, as some party will like to rig the election or cause trouble at the polling units. The news we hear everyday creates drumming fear, but with God on our side, prayers of the saints, no cause for alarm. God will take control.  The election will go on smoothly; people should respect the government of the day.

Bishop Taiwo Adelakun

I charge INEC to be impartial andthe people  let votes should count. The security agencies must be neutral and not intimidate voters. I strongly advise all politicians to allow a free and fair election and Nigerians should troop out in their large numbers to exercise their civic responsibility. I am hopeful for peaceful and violent-free elections. There should be no  bloodshed. God’s will for the nation shall prevail at the polls.

Prophet Bayode Olubo

God revealed the trend of politics in the country to me before now and I have made it public for all Nigerians. The emergence of Atiku; political strategies of the Senate president, Dr Bukola Saraki and the many troubles of Governor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State. All have come to pass and we election is around the corner. I want to advise Nigerians to go out en mass to vote, but I am afraid that our votes might not count, because it is likely the election go the way the polls in Ekiti and Osun states. I pray God help us. Until we put God first, our problems may persist. We should all be tasty of a rebirth and we can achieve it if we take the chance at the upcoming elections.

Bishop Francis Wale Oke

By the grace of God we are about to witness another general elections in our country. Here the people get the opportunity to vote candidates of their choice into different political offices, both at the Federal and State levels. It is my sincere hope and expectation that the 2019 elections will be free from violence and intimidation, and that the will of the people shall be respected. I would like to urge the INEC to be mindful of their duties and responsibilities and justify the trust reposed in them.

To the government and security agencies, I urge them to put in place measures that would ensure that people get to vote the candidates of their choices without fear or intimidation. Security agencies should not allow themselves to be used to subvert the will of the people.

To my fellow citizens, and particularly to registered voters, I implore you to go out en masse to vote for your respective candidates of choice. You have a responsibility and commitment to make this country the country of your dreams, by performing your civic responsibility with integrity and conviction. Above all, I urge everyone to be peaceful and law abiding. Cast your vote and ensure they are counted. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.