By Olayinka Latona
LAGOS — Amid economic hardship and insecurity across the country, the Presiding Bishop and Head of Mission of Gospel Church of Christ (GCC) Worldwide, Bishop Benson Abrifor, has called on Nigerians to use the 2027 general elections to chart a new course for the country.
Abrifor said Nigeria needed a “Messiah” — a leader capable of transforming the country and rescuing it from its current challenges.
The cleric spoke during the church’s 2026 national convention held at its headquarters in Awodi Ora Estate, Apapa, Lagos.
He said the present socio-economic situation was not what Nigerians bargained for when they voted in the 2023 elections, stressing the need for a positive change in the orientation and conduct of both leaders and citizens.
“What we are experiencing presently is not what we bargained for in 2023. There is a need for us to have a change in our orientation and perception about the country. Our way of life must change. Until both leaders and followers deliberately change positively as a nation, we cannot experience the transformation we are all aspiring to,” he said.
Abrifor, however, expressed optimism that Nigeria would eventually overcome its challenges, saying divine intervention could produce a leader capable of transforming the country.
“Despite the challenges confronting us, I strongly believe that one day, God will send the Messiah to us — a leader that will transform the entire system for the better,” he declared.
He urged eligible voters to participate massively in the 2027 elections and vote for candidates with the capacity to lead the country out of its current difficulties.
The cleric also appealed to the Federal Government to prioritise the welfare and security of Nigerians, condemning the killings in communities and the economic hardship affecting citizens.
Abrifor said the church was also opposed to the proposed legislation seeking to prohibit open-air preaching, including preaching in buses and other public spaces.
He urged the government to respect religious freedom, noting that Nigeria was a secular state.
“Government must not persecute any religious body or show preference for one and destroy others,” he said.
The convention, with the theme, “A New Page,” was described by Abrifor as a call for a fresh beginning and renewed commitment to the mission of the church.
“It is a new dawn where God is leading us from the old into the new. It is a fresh revelation that will enable us as a church and as individuals to pursue and fulfill the vision of the Gospel Church of Christ,” he said.
As part of activities marking the convention, the church unveiled new evangelistic initiatives, including a daily devotional prayer guide, Voice From Above, a free transport evangelism scheme and online daily devotional programmes.
The General Secretary of the church, Reverend Philip Omofezi, described the theme as a prophetic mandate for renewal, restoration and spiritual growth.
He said it reflected what he described as God’s desire to lead the church into “a season of fresh beginnings, renewed strength, restoration, and greater manifestations of His glory.”
Omofezi noted that the convention coincided with the 58th anniversary of the Gospel Church of Christ Worldwide, marking nearly six decades of what he described as growth, impactful ministry and service to humanity across nations.
The convention also featured the official retirement ceremony of Bishop Monday Ojomah after more than 25 years of service to the mission.
In addition, the church ordained 13 new ministers into the pastoral office, three women as evangelists, elevated eight candidates to the position of elders and ordained 10 individuals as deacons and deaconesses.
At the end of the convention, Abrifor urged participants to move beyond their comfort zones and embrace the next phase of their spiritual journey.
“We have charged and encouraged the participants to move out of their comfort zones and step up to the next phase that God has prepared for us,” he said.
“There is hope so far as there is still life. One of the best ways to keep moving in life is by renewing one’s hope, and this can only be possible by pressing the buttons that will renew your hope.”
The convention was attended by several senior clerics, including Rev. Jonathan Avwadjuyo, Bishop Matthew Omodiagbe, Bishop Andy Ogbu and Bishop Edward Emanuel.
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