.To pray for Tinubu, governors, others
Boniface Okoro in Umuahia
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Christian Traditional Rulers of Nigeria have declared November 29, 2026, as a special national day of prayer for peace, unity and stability in Nigeria and Igboland.
The monarchs also called on political leaders at all levels to live up to their responsibilities and ensure that Nigerians truly enjoy the dividends of democracy.
The call was made in Umuahia at a joint press briefing by the Chairman, Christian Royal Fathers of Nigeria, His Royal Eminence Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu, Diawa of Umudiawa Kingdom, and the President, Christian Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, Eze Dr. Oliver Ohanwe, Paramount Ruler of Isiama Autonomous Community, Imo State.
Eze Ofoegbu said the special prayer initiative was to seek divine intervention in the affairs of the nation, intercede for political leaders and avert calamities that could threaten the peace and well-being of Nigerians, especially Ndigbo.
According to him, as custodians of tradition and culture, traditional rulers have a sacred duty to use their thrones to pronounce blessings, peace and unity upon the land and to constantly pray for the nation.
“Democracy must reflect its true meaning – government of the people, by the people and for the people. The people must enjoy its benefits,” the royal father said.
He explained that on November 29, prayers would be offered for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the 36 state governors and other political leaders, irrespective of ethnic or religious leanings, for God to grant them wisdom to take decisions that will promote peace, development and national cohesion.
Eze Ofoegbu added that the intercession would also be for peaceful, credible and violence-free 2027 elections and for a political atmosphere devoid of bitterness, rancour and division.
“We have a peculiar duty to pronounce blessings, peace and unity in our nation. Just as God sits on His throne, we will sit in our palaces to intercede for Nigeria,” he said.
On politics, the monarch said traditional rulers would henceforth assess leaders by performance and not by party affiliation, noting that any leader who shows genuine concern for his people deserves prayers and support.
In this regard, he singled out the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, for remaining connected to his people, and commended Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for his good works in the state.
Also speaking, Eze Ohanwe described the prayer project as a move to commit Nigeria into the hands of God, who is the supreme authority over the nation, expressing optimism that it would help douse tension as political activities gather momentum.
He commended the Imo State governor for his concern for Nigeria and Igboland and disclosed that about 5,000 Christian traditional rulers across the Southern region would participate in the exercise through zonal gatherings and palace decrees.
The royal fathers expressed hope that the prayer would help entrench peaceful political participation, national unity and a hitch-free electoral process, urging all Nigerians to support every initiative that promotes peace.