South-East elders have gathered under the auspices of the Igbo Elders Consultative Forum (IECF) to pray for peaceful general elections in 2023.
Nigerians will go to the polls on February 25, 2023, to elect the next President, Vice President, and members of the Senate and House of Representatives.
The South-East elders stated 17 days before the election that it would be abnormal to underestimate the efficacy of prayer; thus, they will begin 14 prayer points and fasting sessions specifically for the peaceful conduct of the election.
According to them, certain evil agents of destabilization and habitual enemies of peace and progress masquerading as ethnic and religious bigots would most likely choose to foment a crisis, despite God’s overwhelming power.
They believe that praying and fasting will supernaturally contain and neutralize the bad eggs’ excesses, much to their chagrin.
Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, the leader of the IECF and former governor of Anambra State, said in a statement on Tuesday that prayers are needed for the upcoming elections.
Ezeife revealed the theme of the spiritual exercise as “the emergence of a new Nigeria through effective intercession,” saying:
In absolute obedience to a privileged instruction/leading of the spirit divine following the revelation referred to above, the Igbo Elders Consultative Forum hereby climaxes the long-held intercession.
Also, Evangelist Iwuchukwu Ezenwafor of the Ark Bearer of New Nigeria said part of the solemn declarations was that as the Giant of Africa by destiny, Nigeria is not a mere coincidence but a standard bearer, pacesetter, trailblazer and a typical example of what an ideal developing country should be even in the prevailing democratic and electioneering process.
Parts of the prayer points of the IECF is that the general election shall reflect an exceptional improvement and thereby post an unusual credibility record that would consequently revolutionize the future electioneering processes within the country and across the African continent.
The Igbo elders are also praying that there shall be a distinct, clear-cut and profound electoral victory in each elective office by the best candidate approved by God Almighty and graciously acceptable to the generality of Nigerians.