…assures citizens must cast their votes freely in 2027
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration is committed to leaving behind a peaceful, united and prosperous country.
Tinubu, who is seeking re-election in 2027, spoke through the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, where he gave the assurance on Sunday at the 66th Independence Anniversary Interdenominational Church Service held in Abuja.
The service, with the theme, “Anchored in Hope: The Path to Divine Stability and Shared Prosperity,” was anchored on Hebrews 6:19.
The President urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to nation-building, stressing that the challenges confronting the country could be overcome through collective prayers, unity and responsible citizenship.
He said the forthcoming 2027 general elections should provide an opportunity for Nigerians to freely assess candidates based on their ideas, character and records of service.
According to him, citizens must be allowed to make their choices freely, while political differences should not destroy relationships and national unity.
He said, “Let citizens make their choices freely, and let us remember throughout the campaign and after the votes are cast that our neighbour who supports another candidate remains our neighbour after the elections.”
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Tinubu also called on Nigerians to reject hatred and division, stressing that the country’s common interests should remain above partisan, religious and ethnic considerations.
He said the administration’s ongoing reforms were aimed at addressing the country’s economic and social challenges, adding that Nigerians should continue to support efforts to build a stronger nation while demanding greater accountability from government.
The President highlighted some economic indicators and government interventions, including the reported 4.73 per cent growth in the economy in the second quarter of 2026, student loans, infrastructure projects and increased investments, particularly in the gas sector.
He also acknowledged the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and other security agencies in protecting the country, urging Nigerians to continue praying for them and their families.
Tinubu said the true measure of progress should be reflected in the lives of ordinary Nigerians, particularly their ability to meet the cost of living, access quality jobs, farm safely and operate businesses in a stable environment.
“The test of progress is not a question of whether we can meet the cost of living, whether a young person can find meaningful work, whether a farmer can harvest his farm safely, or whether a businessman has the power to power his business,” he said.
He therefore urged government at all levels to pursue these objectives with urgency, noting that public resources must be deployed for the public good.
On the 2027 elections, the President called for prayers for peace, integrity and fairness before, during and after the polls.
He said the National Assembly, electoral authorities, judiciary, security agencies and other institutions entrusted with public authority must work to ensure a credible electoral process.
Tinubu also urged Nigerians to match their prayers with responsible conduct.
“If we ask God for peace, we must not spread hatred. If we ask God for justice, we must not excuse dishonesty. If we ask God to guide Nigeria, we must be prepared to follow His guidance whenever He demands of us,” he said.
Earlier in his sermon, the guest preacher, Most Rev. Musa Panti Filibus, Archbishop of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria, said Nigeria had passed through seasons of promise, disappointment, sacrifice, loss and division in its 66 years as an independent nation.
He, however, said God had preserved the country and given Nigerians reasons to remain hopeful.
Filibus, while reflecting on the theme of the service, said Christian hope was different from wishful thinking because it was rooted in the faithfulness of God.
He likened Christ to an anchor that keeps a ship steady amid storms, saying Nigerians could acknowledge the country’s challenges without losing confidence in the possibility of transformation.
According to him, “Nigeria is never finished. We serve it because God is faithful, because we are serving a God who is never changing and whose grace is always there to sustain us.”
The cleric called on the Church to become a visible sign of hope through its actions, urging Christians to allow the Word of God and the Holy Spirit to transform them as they pray for the transformation of the nation.
He also challenged the Church to speak truth with courage, humility and love, stand for justice and human dignity, and remain united despite political, religious and other divisions.
Filibus said national stability was more than the absence of insecurity and conflict, stressing that it must be built on justice, trust, responsible leadership and respect for human dignity.
He also defined shared prosperity as more than economic growth or accumulation of wealth, saying it should mean that families can meet their basic needs, children have access to education, young people have opportunities to develop their talents, and communities can flourish.
He urged Nigerians to see nation-building as a collective responsibility, noting that individuals contribute to the development of the country through their conduct in public and private life.
The cleric said despite the challenges facing Nigeria, the country still had reasons to hope because its hope should rest on God’s faithfulness.
Also speaking, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, in his vote of thanks, said the theme of the service underscored the importance of faith and hope in sustaining Nigeria through difficult periods.
Akume expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, the Senate President, First Lady of the Federation, members of the National Assembly, members of the Federal Executive Council, the diplomatic corps, judiciary, service chiefs, heads of security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, media practitioners and other dignitaries for participating in the service.
He called for a Nigeria where the benefits of progress would reach every community, stressing that citizens might disagree on several issues but should not lose sight of what unites them as Nigerians.
He also called for continued prayers for the country’s leaders, security personnel and Nigerians facing hardship.
Akume said the country had only one Nigeria and urged citizens to continue working for its peace, unity and prosperity.