The Council of Chief Imams in Lagos State has held a special prayer session for peace, unity and a hitch-free 2027 general election, urging Nigerians to embrace patriotism, lawful conduct and active participation in the democratic process.
The prayer session, organised by the Ikeja Division of the Council, also featured prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Lagos State for the 2027 election, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Islamic Matters, Dr. Abdullahi Jebe, said prayers ahead of major national events were essential to seeking divine intervention and ensuring peace.
According to him, Nigerians desire a peaceful, free and credible election, adding that sustained prayers and public sensitisation would help promote a violence-free electoral process.
“As we move towards the next election, we appeal to every Nigerian to discharge their civic responsibilities, obey constituted authorities and continually seek God’s guidance and forgiveness so that He may ease our affairs,” Jebe said.
Also speaking, the National Director-General of the Grassroots Movement for Bola Tinubu, Hon. Bisi Yusuf, described the prayer initiative as timely and commendable, noting that sincere prayers by religious leaders remain vital to national peace and development.
He said the gathering reflected the commitment of Islamic clerics to the progress and stability of the country.
“Prayer is central to human existence. For our Grand Imams and other clerics to organise this special prayer for peace, national development and for our President is highly commendable,” Yusuf said.
The Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Sulaiman Abu-Nola, stressed that prayer and civic responsibility must go hand in hand, urging Muslims to participate actively in the electoral process.
He encouraged eligible Nigerians to register, collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and vote during the 2027 elections.
“It is our civic responsibility to participate in elections. We must pray for our nation because love for one’s country is part of faith. Today’s prayer is our contribution to the peace, progress and prosperity of Nigeria,” he said.
Host of the event and Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Mr. Hakeem Dauda, commended the organisers for promoting patriotism and spiritual support for national leaders.
He urged Lagos residents and Nigerians to cultivate a stronger sense of patriotism, saying national development and lasting peace could only thrive where citizens were committed to nation-building and unity.