The Edo State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Thursday organised a prayer session for a successful and peaceful election in the state on Saturday.
The prayer was held against the backdrop of fears that the election is a must win for two of the leading candidates.
Consequently, soldiers have been deployed to strengthen security across the state. They have been patrolling with some stationed in strategic locations as campaigns end on Thursday midnight.
NewsNGR witnessed heavily armed soldiers patrolling Benin City, the state capital, some with armoured vehicles on Thursday to warn trouble makers.
Speaking during the prayer session, Apostle Irekpono Omoike, the State Chairman of CAN, charged the electorate to vote for the candidate of their choice and not compromise their votes.
Omoike said Edo is known to be peaceful and the prayer session was necessary to intercede for a candidate with the fear of God, who would love the people and respect constituted authorities to emerge the winner.
“The prayer is to have a governor who would uphold the tenet of integrity which is the benchmark of sustainable governance in the state right from the Midwest and Bendel eras”, he said.
He implored the people to embrace peace before, during and after the election, adding that elections should not be seen as a do-or-die affair.
Members of the association from the 18 Local Government Areas in the state attended the prayer session.
Also Pastor Itua Ighodalo, the younger brother to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, guber candidate, Asue Ighodalo, the Secretary, Edo State Christian Pilgrim Welfare Board, Aigboje Irabor among others attended the prayer session that also aimed to bring peace and wade off untimely deaths, attacks, and other forms of electoral infractions in the state.