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People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan

Nigerian Leaders Urge Christians to Pray for Peaceful Elections

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As Nigerians begin to observe the 40-day Lenten season, President Goodluck Jonathan and the leaders of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) have urged Christians to pray for peaceful and successful elections. In separate messages, the leaders appealed to Christians to use the Lent period to reflect on the ideals of human existence taught by Jesus Christ, including piety, love for others, tolerance, and selfless service.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Jonathan urged Christians to pray fervently for peaceful, violence-free, and successful elections on March 28 and April 11, 2015.
  • He called on all political leaders to re-dedicate themselves to non-violent campaigns and elections, and to eschew hate speech, incitement to violence, and divisive rhetoric.
  • The PDP urged Nigerians to use the Lent period to reaffirm values that bind them together as a people, and to work together for a united, peaceful, and progressive Nigeria.
  • General Buhari urged Christians to pray for the strength they need to go through the Lent season and for the forgiveness of sins committed against God and humanity.
  • The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, called on Nigerians to vote only peace-loving individuals at all levels and reject those associated with violence and bigotry.

Statistics:

  • The presidential and national assembly elections are scheduled to take place on March 28 and April 11, 2015.
  • The Lenten season is a 40-day period of fasting, prayers, penance, and charity that starts on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday.
  • The population of Nigeria is approximately 170 million people, with a majority of the population identifying as Christians.
  • The PDP has been in power since 1999, while the APC's General Buhari has been a prominent opposition figure in the country for many years.

Sources:

  • This Day (Abuja, Feb 19, 2015)
  • AllAfrica Global Media via COMTEX
  • Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
  • All Progressives Congress (APC)

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