The Planter of Adamimogo Grace of Mercy Prayer Mountain Worldwide, Prophet Sam Olu Alo, has backed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the date fixed for the 2027 general elections.

Alo said that conducting the elections during the Muslim fasting period would be in the country’s best interests, arguing that the season promotes truthfulness and reduces the likelihood of electoral malpractice.

Responding to objections from some quarters over the timing of the polls, the cleric questioned the basis for the opposition. He noted that elections had previously been conducted during Christian fasting periods, including Easter, without attracting criticism.

“My advice is that in fasting we promote the truth and that won’t give room for us to manipulate things,” he said. “I am of the view that the election is okay during the fasting period because this will further assist us to prayerfully elect our next leaders.

“We should not make any issue out of the fixing of the date of the next year’s general elections. Elections have been fixed during the fastin, and no one raised an alarm on that. Why should we now make so much noise when it falls on Muslim fasting period?”

He added that holding the elections during fasting would encourage voters and political actors to act with the fear of God and avoid religious discrimination.

The cleric made the remarks while speaking with journalists at Jesus City Camp along the Lekki/Epe Expressway in Lagos after the conclusion of his church’s 41-day annual fasting and prayer programme.

Alo said special prayers were offered for Nigeria’s progress and against individuals allegedly working against the country’s peace and development.

“We pray for those who want this country to have growth and progress and we also prayed against those who don’t want progress for the country,” he said, adding that it was time for “children of God” to pray against negative influences in government.

On the impact of prayers on national development, the cleric said it would be incorrect to conclude that prayers had made no difference in the country. He urged Nigerians to acknowledge positive efforts by leaders rather than focusing solely on their shortcomings.

Citing infrastructure development, he referenced ongoing road projects, including the coastal road, saying such initiatives could boost tourism and create jobs if completed. He advised successive governments not to abandon ongoing projects and stressed the need for timely execution.

In his remarks, the monarch of Ikun Temidire-Ekiti in Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Oba Olunlade Fabusuyi, commended Alo’s ministry and described him as a man empowered by God to achieve remarkable feats at a young age.

Alo also disclosed that the annual fasting and prayer programme was based on what he described as a covenant with God, which he said had contributed to the growth of his ministry locally and internationally.