#EdoDecides2024: CAN holds prayer sessions for smooth election

The Edo State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Thursday in Benin offered prayers for the smooth conduct of Saturday’s governorship election in the state, urging the electorate to vote for the candidate of their choice.

In his welcome address, the State Chairman of CAN, Apostle Dr. Omoike, emphasized that the prayer session was particularly necessary due to the various threats arising from the political campaigns regarding the gubernatorial election.

He noted that Edo is known for its peaceful nature and that the session was aimed at seeking divine intervention to ensure that a credible candidate with the fear of God, who will love the people and respect constituted authorities, especially traditional institutions, emerges.

Omoike added that the prayer was intended to have a governor who would uphold the tenets of integrity, which he described as the benchmarks of sustainable governance in the state, dating back to the Midwest and Bendel eras.

Referencing Matthew 5:9 and 2 Chronicles 7:14, the clergyman urged the people to embrace peace before, during, and after the election, stressing that elections should not be viewed as a do-or-die affair.

The prayer session, which included prominent Christian denominations in Benin, was also aimed at bringing peace and warding off untimely deaths, attacks, and other forms of malevolent intentions in the state.

CAN members from all 18 Local Government Areas in the state were present, including Pastor Itua Ighodalo, the younger brother of PDP gubernatorial candidate Asue Ighodalo, and Aigboje Irabor, the Secretary of the Edo State Christian Pilgrim Welfare Board.

The high point of the prayer session was a musical interlude featuring singing and dancing in celebration, as well as a word of exaltation by Apostle Dr. Matthew Ogbonmwan, General Overseer of the Christ Apostolic Church of God Mission International Incorporated.