Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has urged the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) to intensify prayers for a peaceful and credible 2027 general election, warning against a recurrence of the political tension that preceded the recent Osun governorship poll.
Adeleke made the appeal on Sunday in Osogbo while receiving Catholic bishops attending the second plenary meeting of the CBCN in the state.
The governor said the experience of Osun in the build-up to its recent election had highlighted the need for sustained prayers, responsible political leadership, and collective efforts to safeguard peace before, during, and after the 2027 elections.
“As you gather for this year’s conference, I urge the church to intensify prayers for the peaceful and successful conduct of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria,” Adeleke said.
He said the Catholic Church, given its prominent role in electoral peacebuilding, had an important responsibility to support efforts aimed at protecting the nation, political leaders, and voters ahead of the elections.
“As much as the Catholic Church is in the frontline of electoral peacebuilding, we need divine intervention to secure the nation, the political class, and the citizenry as we head to the elections,” he added.
Adeleke also reflected on the tension that surrounded the recent Osun election, saying residents were familiar with the consequences of political instability during an electoral process.
“All Osun residents know what it means for peace to fail in an electoral process. We pray Nigerians will not witness what we suffered in the pre-election space,” he said.
Expressing optimism about the 2027 elections, the governor said divine intervention would be crucial to ensuring a peaceful electoral process across the country.
“We pray for divine grace to deliver a successful 2027 elections for our great nation,” he said.
Adeleke also used the occasion to recount his political struggles, describing his administration’s emergence from what he termed a “ruthless political war” as a victory achieved through divine intervention.
“We passed through the valley of death but the Holy Spirit piloted and rescued us from the mouth of lions,” he said.
According to him, his political camp was at one point “almost swallowed up” and “almost in the belly of the big fish,” drawing a comparison with the biblical account of Jonah.
“But as we relied on the name of God instead of horses and chariots, we triumphed and overcame adversities,” Adeleke said.
The governor, however, said he had chosen thanksgiving over revenge following his political victory.
“As the Lord directed, I seek no revenge; the will of the Lord has prevailed; mine is thanksgiving and continuous service in the line of the Lord and the people,” he declared.
Adeleke specifically acknowledged the prayers and support of the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, describing him as a “living witness” to the challenges his administration faced.
He also commended the Catholic Church for its contributions to Nigeria’s development, particularly in education, healthcare, human-capacity development, and peacebuilding.
“In the history of this federation, the Catholic Church has earned an impressive place as a driver of enlightenment through education and health facilitation, through human capacity development, and through peace building across the society,” he said.
Adeleke assured the Church of his administration’s continued partnership, particularly in improving access to education and healthcare.
“I assure the Catholic Church of the unwavering support of our government. As the Church shares our aspirations for expanded educational and health access, we remain a committed partner,” he said.
The governor welcomed the bishops to Osun and expressed the hope that their deliberations would contribute to peace, development, and national stability.
The CBCN’s second plenary meeting, which commenced on September 10, 2026, is expected to end on September 18.
