As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, Bishop Dr. Herbert Ekechukwu, Presiding Bishop of The Lord Of Glory Ministry, has urged Nigerians to prioritize peaceful campaigns and elections. In an exclusive article for the Independent Nigeria, Bishop Ekechukwu emphasized that elections are a critical aspect of governance and that Nigerians must ensure the process is transparent and righteous. He cited biblical teachings, including Romans 12:18 and Matthew 5:9, as guiding principles for peaceful elections.
According to Bishop Ekechukwu, God's view of government and leadership is rooted in righteousness and justice. He noted that Proverbs 11:11 and 29:2 emphasize the importance of righteous leadership, which brings blessings to the people. Bishop Ekechukwu stressed that elections are a means for the righteous to be enthroned, but the process itself must be transparent and free from lies, tribalism, intimidation, and violence. He warned that any campaign that thrives on these vices is already failing God's test.
Bishop Ekechukwu outlined five biblical marks of a peaceful campaign, including campaigns of truth, not deceit. He cited Ephesians 4:25, which emphasizes the importance of speaking truth to one's neighbor. The bishop also highlighted the need for campaigns of unity, not tribalism or religion, citing Galatians 3:28 and Acts 10:34. He emphasized that competence, character, and compassion should be the criteria for choosing leaders, not tribe or religion.
The bishop also emphasized the importance of campaigns of service, not self-aggrandizement. Citing Mark 10:45, he noted that Jesus came not to be ministered unto, but to minister. Bishop Ekechukwu encouraged candidates to demonstrate their commitment to service by building schools, clinics, and empowering youth before election season. He also stressed the need for campaigns of wisdom, not foolishness, citing Colossians 4:6, which emphasizes the importance of speaking with grace and wisdom.
Bishop Ekechukwu warned that unpeaceful campaigns can have dire consequences, including defiling the land and destroying trust. He cited Numbers 35:33, which notes that bloodshed defiles the land, and Proverbs 26:28, which warns that a lying tongue hates those who are afflicted by it. The bishop also emphasized that unpeaceful campaigns can damage Christian witnesses, citing Matthew 5:16.
The bishop outlined the role of the church in the 2027 election, including prayer, education, and creating awareness. He cited 1 Timothy 2:1-2, which emphasizes the importance of praying for those in authority. Bishop Ekechukwu also encouraged the church to model peace, refuse to share hate messages, and speak truth to power. He noted that the church should serve the community in any capacity for progress and development.
Finally, Bishop Ekechukwu proposed practical steps for peaceful 2027 campaigns, including having candidates sign a Peace Accord and train supporters to campaign without abuse. He also encouraged voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards, pray, and vote, and to accept or reject results in a peaceful manner. The bishop urged the church to host non-partisan town halls and create 'Peace Ambassadors' in every cell group to promote peaceful elections.
Key points
- Bishop Dr. Herbert Ekechukwu calls for peaceful campaigns and elections in Nigeria.
- The electoral process must be transparent, righteous, and free from lies, tribalism, intimidation, and violence.
- The church has a critical role to play in promoting peaceful elections through prayer, education, and creating awareness.
