Insecurity: Christian leaders seek prayers for Tinubu, national unity
Adebayo Gbeja
Editor • Aug 13, 2026 • 3 min read
Christian leaders have urged Nigerians to sustain prayers for President Bola Tinubu and other leaders to overcome the country’s security and economic challenges.
The call was made at a national prayer gathering organised by the Northern Christian Religious Leaders Assembly (NOCRELA) on Thursday in Abuja.
The gathering attracted leaders from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) and other Christian organisations.
The Executive Secretary of NCPC, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, urged Christians to continually pray for Tinubu, describing him as committed to Nigeria’s unity, development and well-being.
Adegbite acknowledged the economic hardship confronting citizens but expressed optimism that the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms would produce long-term benefits.
“You are not the type that will be bringing Nigeria down; you are building Nigeria up,” Adegbite said.
He said intercessory prayers remained important as the country continued to contend with insecurity and other challenges.
The NOCRELA Convener, Archbishop JohnPraise Daniel, also expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome banditry, bloodshed and economic difficulties through divine intervention and collective efforts.
“Nigeria will rise. Don’t give up. Great things will happen. There shall be healing in our land,” Daniel said.
He stressed that nation-building should not be left solely to political leaders, saying every Nigerian had a role to play in rebuilding the country.
“If Nigeria must change, things must happen. It must come from every one of us,” he said.
Daniel said Nigerians should contribute positively to national development rather than expecting the President, governors, lawmakers or other political officeholders to do everything.
In his message, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said Nigeria was at a critical point as political activities intensified ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Okoh, represented by the Director of Ecumenism and Interfaith Relations, Very Rev. Princewill Ireoba, urged Christians to participate responsibly in the democratic process.
He cautioned political actors against manipulation, stressing the need for justice, responsible leadership and respect for democratic values.
“We should encourage our members to participate actively and responsibly in the democratic process and remind all political actors that political power is a trust, not a licence for oppression and corruption,” Okoh said.
He reaffirmed CAN’s readiness to collaborate with NOCRELA and other organisations to promote peace, democratic integrity and social justice.
The Christian leaders also urged Nigerians to embrace humility, repentance and faith as necessary steps toward national recovery, citing the biblical injunction in 2 Chronicles 7:14.
The prayer session featured intercessions for divine wisdom for political leaders, an end to violent crime, economic recovery and peaceful elections.
The gathering also featured worship and song ministrations by interdenominational choirs.
