Prominent Islamic scholar and founder of the Muhammad Rosulullah Islamic Centre, Lagos, Sheikh Ahmad Ibraheem Bukhari, has called on Nigerians to begin praying for a peaceful, credible and successful 2027 general election, stressing that the country’s future depends on divine guidance, responsible leadership and national unity.
Sheikh Bukhari, who is widely known as Sheikh Ahmad Al-Mukhtar, also urged citizens to pray for political leaders and those aspiring to public office, asking God to endow them with wisdom, humility, honesty and a genuine commitment to serving the people rather than pursuing personal interests.
The cleric made the appeal while speaking with journalists shortly after leading thousands of Muslim faithful in hours-long prayers for blessings, breakthroughs and marital bliss at the Baytus-Salam Central Mosque, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The prayer programme, tagged “Kun Fayakun Prayer,” was organised under the auspices of the Muhammad Rosulullah Global Family and attracted worshippers from different parts of the country.
As part of the gathering, the renowned Islamic scholar also offered special prayers for peace, security, unity and prosperity in Nigeria, Ogun State and Egbaland.
Speaking on the significance of prayer ahead of the 2027 elections, Sheikh Bukhari said Nigerians should seek divine guidance in choosing leaders who would govern with integrity, justice and compassion.
He noted that elections often generate tension and political divisions, stressing that prayers for peace would help foster calm, mutual respect and non-violence before, during and after the polls.
According to him, citizens should also pray for all candidates and public office holders to embrace selfless leadership anchored on accountability, transparency and the collective interest of the nation.
The Islamic scholar further emphasised that prayer should promote national unity by reminding Nigerians that, despite political differences, they remain one people with a shared destiny.
He added that prayers should also focus on ensuring free, fair and transparent elections while seeking divine intervention for electoral officials to discharge their responsibilities with honesty and impartiality.
Sheikh Bukhari urged Nigerians to complement their prayers with responsible civic engagement by rejecting violence, respecting one another’s choices and participating peacefully in the democratic process.
He noted that prayer helps people draw strength and wisdom from God to navigate life’s challenges. He also expressed satisfaction with the turnout at the Abeokuta Kun Fayakun Prayer, describing it as a demonstration of the importance participants attached to prayer and their faith in God for divine intervention.
Sheikh Bukhari expressed optimism that subsequent editions of the prayer programme could be held in a larger venue, such as a stadium, given the growing enthusiasm and support for the Muhammad Rosulullah Global Family.
Also speaking, the patron of the prayer group, Ambassador Babatunde Adeyemo, recalled that the maiden edition of the Kun Fayakun Prayer was held at The Podium, Pelican Valley Estate, Laderin, Abeokuta, with barely 150 Muslim faithful in attendance.
He expressed delight that, just a few years later, thousands of worshippers from across the country now participate in the annual gathering.
Adeyemo, a philanthropist and veteran broadcast journalist-turned-real estate entrepreneur, said Nigeria needs prayers to overcome its challenges, usher in national rebirth and enthrone good leadership at all levels of governance.
According to him, with good leadership and active citizen participation, Nigeria will continue on the path of peace, stability and sustainable development as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.
