By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
As political activities begin to pick up ahead of the 2027 general elections, a Kaduna-based pastor is calling on Nigerians to pray harder.
Pastor Dr. Yohanna Buru, General Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, said on Tuesday that he has mobilized 100,000 religious leaders 50,000 imams and 50,000 pastors to lead prayers and fasting for peaceful elections.
Speaking to reporters at his church in Kaduna, Buru said the goal is simple: to use faith to calm nerves, stop violence, and remind Nigerians that elections should not turn into war.
“We have to embark on ceaseless prayer and fasting to make Nigeria better,” he said. “And we must support our leaders with prayers so that God can direct them well.”
According to him, religious leaders cannot sit on the fence when the country is heading into a major election. He believes sermons, juma’at khutbas and church announcements can do a lot to stop thuggery and hate speech.
“This is not the first time we are doing this,” Buru explained. “But for 2027, we are taking it to every state and every local government. We want the message to reach the grassroots.”
Under the plan, clerics will use Fridays, Sundays, radio, TV and social media to preach peace, forgiveness and unity. Buru said places of worship will also hold special prayer sessions for the country and for security agencies risking their lives.
“We will be praying for our soldiers, police, Civilian JTF and vigilantes,” he added. “They are the ones standing between us and chaos. They need God’s protection.”
Buru struck an optimistic tone despite Nigeria’s security challenges. “By God’s grace, we will have a peaceful election in 2027,” he said.
He also had a message for politicians: play by the rules. “Leadership is service, not war,” he said. “Avoid hate speech, avoid incitement. Sell your ideas, not insults.”
The pastor did not leave out the youths. He urged them to reject offers to snatch ballot boxes or cause trouble during campaigns. “You are not thugs. You are ambassadors of peace. Protect democracy,” he charged.
“We must remember we are one family under God,” Buru said. “We are all children of Adam and Eve. We have different holy books, but we worship one God.”
At the briefing, Mallam Musa Mohammed, a Muslim cleric, backed the initiative. “Peace is our religious duty,” he said. “If there is no peace, there will be no development. We must join hands to make Nigeria better.”
Buru said the campaign will run through town hall meetings, media programs and visits to schools and markets in the coming months.
With parties already holding consultations, faith leaders say they will not wait until election day to speak up. For them, peace-building starts now.
As 2027 draws closer, the message from Kaduna is clear: prayers, tolerance, and responsible politics or risk another violent election cycle.