By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on Nigerians to intensify prayers for the peace, unity and progress of the country, urging citizens to approach the 2027 general elections with patriotism, integrity and respect for one another.

Akpabio made the call on Sunday at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, during a special prayer service held as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

In a prayer for the nation, the Senate President repeatedly appealed to God, saying: “Father, don’t let them say, ‘ Where is your God?”

He said the prayer reflected the desire for divine intervention in Nigeria’s affairs, stressing that the country needed God’s guidance as it confronted its challenges and prepared for another general election.

Akpabio, who urged Nigerians to pray particularly for the 2027 elections, said citizens should be allowed to freely make their choices at the polls.

“The General Election is approaching. I ask every Nigerian to approach it with patriotic spirit, with a commitment to the public good. Elections should not be a mere contest for office, but they should also be a period for national renewal,” he said.

“Let candidates contain true ideas, character and records of service. Let citizens make their choices freely. And let us remember throughout the campaign, and after the votes are counted, that our neighbour, like I said earlier, who supports another candidate, remains our neighbour after the elections.”

The Senate President also called on political actors to avoid actions capable of undermining peace and national cohesion, warning that the consequences of political conflicts are often borne by ordinary Nigerians.

“When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. In political life, the grass is the family that needs food, the child who needs food, and the community that needs peace,” he said.

Akpabio said the executive and legislative arms of government were working to deliver reforms and improve the country, assuring Nigerians of the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting necessary legislation.

“The Executive is pursuing and must pursue those results with urgency. The National Assembly, that I’m privileged to be the Chairman, is working very hard to ensure the right laws are met and the right reforms are brought to our country,” he said.

He added that the legislature would continue to exercise responsible oversight and insist that public resources were used for the public good.

Akpabio urged Nigerians to maintain faith in the administration’s commitment to national recovery, while calling for prayers, support and constructive counsel.

“I ask Nigerians to keep faith with the Administration’s commitment to recovery, to support the work before us and continue offering prayers and wise counselling. We owe this to ourselves, to the Government and to future generations,” he said.

He also called on public officials, including members of the National Assembly, governors, judges and electoral officers, to work towards ensuring peace and credible elections.

“The National Assembly, our Governors, our Judges, our Electoral Officers, and every person entrusted with public authority must do their best to ensure the peace of Nigeria,” Akpabio said.

He urged Nigerians to pray for wisdom, justice and courage among those entrusted with public responsibilities, as well as for security personnel and their families.

“Pray especially for the coming elections. Pray for peace. Pray for integrity during and after the elections of 2027,” he said.

Akpabio further challenged Nigerians to ensure that their conduct reflected the values they profess in their prayers.

“Let our conduct bear witness to our prayers. If we ask God for peace, we must not spread hatred. If we ask God for justice, we must not excuse dishonesty,” he said.

“If we ask God to guide Nigeria, we must be prepared to follow his guidance whenever it demands of us.”

Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey since independence, Akpabio said the country had experienced difficult periods but had continued to make progress, urging citizens to rise above greed, prejudice and fear.

He said Nigerians must remain united and continue making choices that would improve the living standards of present and future generations.

The Senate President also acknowledged the role of the Christian community in praying for the nation, thanking the Church for what he described as its steadfast prayers.

Concluding his address with a prayerful song, Akpabio said: “Father, don’t let them say, where is your God? Our God is there for Nigeria, please be there for all of us now.”

The event ended with a benediction at the National Christian Centre, with a cake-cutting ceremony and photographs.