On eve of elections in Nigeria, WCC prays for peaceful, fair proceedings with credible outcome

On the eve of presidential and National Assembly elections in Nigeria, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof Dr Jerry Pillay, on behalf of the global fellowship, extended prayers for an enduring peace for the people and nation of Nigeria.

“We pray in particular that the electoral processes will proceed freely and fairly without any form of violence, and that the outcome will be credible and accepted by all, and that the new government will genuinely commit to the welfare of all people of Nigeria,” reads the message.

In partnership with the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Christian Council of Nigeria, and the All Africa Conference of Churches, the WCC is participating in an ecumenical election observation team during the elections, in solidarity with the people and churches of the country.

“Nigeria and its people have suffered for too long from insecurity, violent attacks and kidnappings, religious and ethnic sectarianism, economic hardship, corruption, and poor governance,” reads the message. “We pray that this election will mark a turning point at which Nigerians will exercise their votes based on the competence and integrity of the candidates and on their policy commitments, and that they will hold their elected leaders accountable to those commitments.”

The message concludes: "We pray that whoever is elected to leadership in this election will genuinely and consistently serve the interests of all Nigerians, ensuring their security, advancing social welfare, and protecting the equal rights of all regardless of religious or ethnic identity.”