Christian leaders and stakeholders in Kwara State have thrown their weight behind the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the governorship aspiration of Senator Saliu Mustapha ahead of the 2027 elections. The endorsement took place during an interdenominational prayer gathering organized by Christian Leaders in Politics, a coalition of ministers and Christian stakeholders from various denominations across the state.
Prayer Gathering for Peace and Progress
The event, held at the headquarters of Faith Contenders International Ministry in Ilorin, Kwara State, featured prayers for Nigeria, Kwara State, President Tinubu, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, and Senator Mustapha, who is a leading contender in the state's governorship race. Several clerics commended the senator for his longstanding support for the Christian community and his inclusive approach to leadership.
Endorsement by Christian Leaders
The President of the Christian Leaders Fellowship, Pastor Abel Aiyedogbon, stated that Senator Mustapha has distinguished himself as a public official who treats people fairly regardless of their religious affiliation. He remarked, “In over four decades of my experience in Kwara State, I have not seen a public office holder who has related with Christians the way Senator Saliu Mustapha has done.” According to him, the prayer session was organized not only for peace and progress in the state and country but also to seek divine guidance for Senator Mustapha ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries and the 2027 elections.
Pastor (Engr.) Jacob Jonathan Elegun of Faith Contenders International Ministry emphasized that Christian stakeholders across the state are prepared to mobilize grassroots support for the senator due to his record of fairness and accessibility. He said, “Senator Saliu Mustapha has consistently shown that he is non-discriminatory in leadership and public service. He has given Christians their rightful recognition and support despite religious differences. We are ready to move from house to house and community to community to mobilize support for him.” The cleric added that Senator Mustapha’s leadership style has strengthened peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among different religious groups in the state.
Prayers for Unity and Security
Former President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. (Dr.) V.S.A. Dada, offered prayers for peace, unity, and stability in Kwara State and Nigeria. He urged Christians to continue praying for the success of the administrations of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and President Tinubu, while also calling for divine intervention against insecurity affecting parts of the state.
Other Clerics in Attendance
Other clerics present at the event included Pastor Prophet (Dr.) J.K. Aiyenane, immediate past Secretary of the Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC); Prophet Chris Olowo of Peniel Citadel International; Pastor P.A. Olagojun; and gospel musician Evangelist Emmanuel Aiyeariwi.
