CAN Organises Prayer Session for Peaceful Edo Governorship Election

Ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, the Edo State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has organised a prayer session to ensure a violence-free and successful electoral process.

The prayer session, held on Thursday in Benin City, was organised as a response to the tensions and threats that have emerged during the political campaigns leading up to the election.

Speaking at the event, Apostle Irekpono Omoike, the State Chairman of CAN, urged the electorate to vote for the candidate of their choice, while also emphasising the importance of peace. “The prayer has become necessary given the political atmosphere.

We want to ensure a credible candidate, one with the fear of God, emerges, someone who will love the people and respect traditional institutions,” he said.

Omoike further stressed that Edo State, known for its peaceful nature, should remain calm throughout the election process.

He called for voters to reject the notion of elections as a “do-or-die affair,” urging citizens to focus on peace before, during, and after the polls.

“The prayer is also aimed at ensuring we have a governor who upholds integrity, which has been a hallmark of sustainable governance in Edo State since the Midwest and Bendel eras,” he added.

The event, which drew participation from Christian denominations across Benin, aimed to invoke peace and avert any potential for violence, untimely deaths, or electoral malpractice.

Participants in the prayer session also included Pastor Itua Ighodalo, brother to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, and Aigboje Irabor, the Secretary of the Edo State Christian Pilgrim Welfare Board, among others.

Members of CAN from all 18 Local Government Areas in Edo State were present, underscoring the widespread support for a peaceful and credible election.