By PHILOMINA ATTAH

The First Baptist Church, Garki, has marked its annual “White Robe Sunday”, concluding a 21-day spiritual journey of fasting and prayer for the nation.

The service served as a powerful backdrop for a civic call to action, as the congregation sought divine intervention ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming general elections.

The Senior Pastor, Rev. Tom Tampatore, said that the 21-day exercise, which began on Jan. 5, was designed to seek God’s face for the year and the country’s stability.

“Every year we begin with 21 days of fasting to rededicate our lives to the Lord and seek His blessings upon our families and our nation.

“The sea of white attire filling the auditorium was more than a fashion choice. It symbolises purity and deep-seated communal unity.

“White signifies purity and the fact that we are coming together as one, reflecting our eternal destiny and faith,” he said.

Beyond the spiritual reflections, the church leadership took a firm stance on the responsibilities of citizens in the 2027 electoral cycle.

Tampatore urged Nigerians to secure their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate fully in the democratic process.

He also directed a message to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stressing the need for transparency and fairness.

“Let us vote and trust God that INEC will be fair and give us the results that exactly reflect what we voted for,” he said.

The clergy further challenged the political class to shift its focus from power-grabbing to genuine public service.

He said that politics must be about serving humanity and securing a prosperous future for the next generation of Nigerians.

“We can build a nation that will be the pride of Africa, where people from everywhere will desire to come,” he said.

A Deacon, Bassey Offiong, said that the waiting period on the mountain was intended for both personal transformation and national intercession.

He encouraged members to carry the lessons of the fast into their daily interactions with neighbours and colleagues.

Mrs Abiola Ojo, President of the Women Missionary Union described the white garments as a symbol of oneness.

Ojo said that unity of heart and purpose was the key to surmounting the challenges currently facing Nigerian families.

The event, which concluded with a special prayer service, saw a high turnout of worshippers who expressed optimism for a peaceful and prosperous 2026. (NAN)