By Angela Atabo

Rev. Sam Oye, Lead Pastor of The Transforming Church, Abuja, has called for spiritual rebirth, integrity and accountability among Nigerians, saying these values are essential to promoting responsible leadership and national development.

He made the call at a news conference ahead of the 10th edition of the church’s annual ‘The Encounter’ conference scheduled for Nov. 6 in Abuja.

He said the conference, which began in 2016, was established to bring Christians from different denominations and people of other faiths together for worship, prayers and reflection.

According to him, the gathering also provides an opportunity for Nigerians to set aside religious, ethnic and political differences and pray for national development.

Oye said ongoing economic reforms had brought hardship to many Nigerians, stressing the need for government to introduce measures to reduce their impact on citizens.

He also urged Nigerians not to lose hope but to seek divine intervention in addressing the country’s challenges.

“The 2026 conference, themed El Ezer: God Our Helper, will focus on encouraging participants to seek God’s help in their personal lives and the affairs of the country.

“Many are beginning to have failed hopes if they look up to government for help. We turn the attention of everyone towards the Almighty God, who has never failed Nigerians in the past,” he said.

Speaking on national transformation, Oye said Nigeria needed a spiritual rebirth rooted in the fear of God, integrity and accountability.

He said religious devotion should reflect in people’s conduct, especially among public officials responsible for managing public resources and exercising authority.

According to him, weak accountability allows corruption to thrive, making it necessary for both leaders and citizens to take responsibility for their actions.

On the 2027 general elections, Oye said credible electoral processes were essential to maintaining national stability and preventing election-related violence.

He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to safeguard its independence and ensure that votes cast by Nigerians were accurately counted and reflected in election results.

He also called on security agencies to deploy adequate personnel and take preventive measures against violence and other disruptions before, during and after the elections.

He also cautioned churches against using their pulpits to promote political parties or endorse preferred candidates.

He said churches should maintain political neutrality and provide candidates from different parties opportunities to explain their programmes, while allowing members to make independent electoral choices.

Oye said the conference would also provide opportunities for participants to pray for divine intervention in their careers, businesses, marriages and other personal challenges.

“The programme would also feature worship songs in Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa, reflecting Nigeria’s cultural and linguistic diversity”.

Also speaking, Pastor Emmanuel Isaiah, the church’s Central Area Pastor, said the conference had expanded since its inception, attracting participants from different backgrounds and walks of life.

He said about 6,000 people attended the 2025 edition, adding that the church expected approximately 10,000 participants at this year’s event.

Isaiah said participation was free and open to the public, adding that the programme would run overnight.

He said arrangements had been made to ensure participants’ safety, with security agencies expected to provide security around the venue.

He urged Nigerians to attend the conference and use the gathering to promote national unity, renew hope and pray for the country’s progress. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade