Ahead of Nigeria’s 2023 General Elections, a passionate appeal has come from the Lead Pastor of Good Tidings Bible Church International, Dayo Olutayo, urging all candidates contesting for positions to abide by the peace accord they signed with the National Peace Committee.

Abiding by the peace accord, according to the cleric, will ensure free, fair, credible and violence-free elections.

Olutayo made this call on Friday at a press conference on a National Prayer Day (NPD) to be organised by the Good Tidings Bible Church International in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for all political parties and their candidates.

He explained that prayers scheduled for February 12, is for God to lead, direct, protect and guide all Nigerians ahead of the 2023 General Elections.

He stressed that mostly the presidential candidates were to keep to the peace accord.

The Lead Pastor advised the candidates to abide by the peace pact advice of the elder statesmen in the National Peace Committee.

“I am speaking to all political players now, so that violence does not erupt, because violence does not just erupt. Violence erupt as a command from a leader.

“The troops of Nigeria Army cannot go and start shooting anywhere when a commander did not give an instruction.

“So, I consider our political leaders as the commanders of those masses that are members of their parties, who are also their supporters.

“Let all political parties be serious this time around and let all leaders give respect to all the statesmen, and abide by the peace accord, otherwise they will be treated as enemies of the nation,” Olutayo said.

He pleaded with the political leaders not to incite violence or allow their followers to do so.

On the forthcoming National Prayer Day, Olutayo said that the belief was that the church had a responsibility to help secure and promote peace through prayers and intercessions at all times.

“And, in pursuit of this,the church hosts an annual national prayer meeting every September.

“At a critical moment such as is presented by the forthcoming elections, however, we find the need for a special National Prayer Day (NPD) even more compelling.

“The National Prayer Day also seeks grace that extends beyond just the two designated voting days on February 25 and March 11. We are trusting God for a peaceful transition and handover as well,” Olutayo said.

The cleric further called on Nigerians to get their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) and vote for any candidate of their choice.

He also said that for the sake of the future, everybody should also participate by joining a political party that aligns with their own vision for the country.