Founder of Christ Apostolic Church, Grace and Mercy Prayer Mountain Worldwide, Prophet Sam Olu-Alo, has backed the date fixed by the Independent National Electoral Commission,INEC, for the 2027 general elections, despite concerns that it coincides with Ramadan.
Olu-Alo spoke on the sidelines of the completion of the 41-day fasting programme themed “Mercy That Opens Doors of Help” held at Jesus City in Lagos.
INEC recently scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for Saturday, 20 February 2027 and the governorship and state Assembly elections for Saturday, 6 March 2027.
Some Muslim faithful including former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar raised concerns about the election falling into a period when Muslims observe the Ramadan fast daily for an entire month.
He said shifting the date solely because of Ramadan would be unfair to other faith-based groups and organisations that may also be observing periods of fasting and prayer at the same time.
“Other religious bodies will also be engaged in spiritual exercises during that period. It will not be fair to adjust a national timetable for one group alone,” he said. “INEC should retain the date and allow Nigerians to fulfil both their civic and spiritual responsibilities.”
The cleric added that a season of prayer and fasting across the country could promote credible elections, as those sincerely committed to spiritual observances would be less likely to engage in electoral malpractice.
“If people are truly devoted to prayer and fasting, they will not want to jeopardise the value of that sacrifice by participating in wrongdoing,” he said.
Olu-Alo also urged Nigerians to take part fully in the electoral process by registering and preparing to vote. He called on citizens to remain law-abiding and play their part in strengthening democracy.
The cleric appealed to Nigerians to continue praying for the peace and progress of the country, noting that seeking the nation’s welfare ultimately benefits its people.
“When you pray for the peace and prosperity of Nigeria, you are praying for your own future and the future of your children,” he said.
The 41-day programme featured prayers for both supporters of Nigeria and those described as enemies of the country.
