WHAT WILL BE THE OUTCOME OF THIS ELECTION?

Dearly Beloved, WHAT WILL BE THE OUTCOME OF THIS ELECTION? “Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles” (Acts 1:26 NIV). After the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ, the apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ gathered in the upper room at Jerusalem. Under the leadership of Simon Peter, they decided to elect another person to replace Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles, who betrayed Jesus and later committed suicide. A guideline was given as to who the elected person would be. Two people were proposed: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. The disciples earnestly prayed for who they will elect out of these two people. After their prayers, they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias. The outcome of the election was that Matthias was added to the eleven apostles, and the ministry continued (see Acts of Apostles 1:12-26). There was no rancour of any kind. In fact, the next record was the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost (see Acts of Apostles 2). In less than a week, the people of Nigeria will go to the poll to elect another executive president of the nation to take over from the incumbent president after the expiration of his tenure by May 29, 2015. Out of fourteen candidates that are officially seeking to be elected to the exalted position, only two are prominent - the incumbent president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan who is seeking re-election and retired General Muhammadu Buhari (onetime military ruler of the nation) of the main opposition party. There have been campaigns of all sorts for themselves and against each other among these two major contenders and their followers. There are proposals for the postponement of the election in some quarters (in fact, the election was postponed for six week). There are even some court cases that are threatening the peaceful conduct of the election. There are many controversies already about the removal or not of the head of the electoral body and the use or not of voters’ card reader at each polling unit. There is fear that violence may break out in some parts of the country if the expected candidate is not declared winner of the election. What will indeed be the outcome of this election? For Nigerians that are eligible to vote, your right is to go and cast your vote on the Election Day. Collect your permanent voters card (PVC) (if you have not done so, unfortunately, I could not get my own after many attempts). Vote wisely, rightly and as you are led by your conscience. Do not base your vote on any sentiment. Conduct yourselves civilly as you exercise your civic duty. Do not be involved in any act that will breach the peace of your community. For the candidates and their supporters, know that only one person will be declared elected as the next executive president of Nigeria. Losers should take the result in good faith. Do not resort to violence of any kind. Election tribunal is there to redress any grievance. The outcome of this election in Nigeria will determine the progress or otherwise of the country. What will be the outcome of this election? In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Requests: I call on all lovers of good governance, especially Christians throughout the world, to pray for Nigeria and Nigerians as we are making this vital decision. Pray for peace and tranquility before, during, and after the election. Pray for the safety of lives of electoral officials as they conduct this election. Pray that they will really be impartial in this exercise.