Over one thousand church leaders, including 100 bishops, are throwing their weight behind Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi to run for president in 2023, describing him as “God’s anointed choice.”

The clergy would also organise three-day fasting and prayer for Mr Bello’s success in 2023, Jonathan Praise, convener of the inter-denominational prayer in Abuja, said on Wednesday.

“The purpose of the gathering is to provide a spiritual shield and support for Governor Bello, who is God’s anointed choice to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari,” stated Mr Praise. “For this, over 100 Bishops and Christian clerics will hold a three-day prayer and fasting for Bello’s success in 2023.”

The programme, scheduled to be held at the Unity Fountain in Abuja, will see the participation of clerics and over 1,000 church leaders drawn from each state of the federation.

Recalling how Mr Bello rose to become governor, he said it was not mere coincidence but destiny. 

“He’ll shock critics at the next polls,” added Mr Praise.

Similarly, women from Nigeria’s 19 northern states endorsed Governor Yahaya Bello to run for president in 2023.

Under the aegis Yahaya Bello Network (YBN), the women declared their support on Tuesday when they visited Mr Bello at the Kogi Governor’s Lodge, Abuja.

The chairperson of the YBN, Hadiza Ahmed, said of all those that have shown intentions to run for president in 2023, Mr Bello is their preferred choice considering all his achievements as governor of Kogi.

“We are here to call on the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello, to answer our call as a youth to be our next president in 2023,” she said.

Among his achievements listed was the involvement of youths and women in his administration.

“Under his administration, youths and women are very involved, which is what we want to be brought to the national level because that is what Nigerians are also clamouring for in 2023,” she added. “The example has already been set in Kogi state, and we are sure he will do it when he becomes president. 2023.”

In his response, the governor vowed not to disappoint them while appreciating the group for their support.

Mr Bello stated, “Since last year, a lot of groups have been calling on me to run for President, and today, I have accepted your call, and I promise not to disappoint you and all of Nigerians.”

(NAN)