Ughelli, Delta State, Nigeria – Christian leaders from across Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency gathered in large numbers on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the Ughelli Kingdom Hall for the 2026 edition of the Revd. Francis Ejiroghene Waive (MHR) Annual Day of Prayers. The interdenominational event featured fervent supplications for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and the federal lawmaker himself, as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
The prayer session drew well over one thousand clerics representing all 32 wards in the federal constituency. Participants included representatives from the five major blocs of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN): the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Christian Council of Nigeria, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), and the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA). The diverse attendance underscored the broad ecumenical support for the initiative, which has become an annual fixture under the auspices of Revd. Waive, a serving member of the House of Representatives and ordained clergyman.
The prayers centered on seeking divine intervention for Nigeria's multifaceted challenges, particularly insecurity, economic hardships, and social instability. Clerics invoked God's guidance for national leaders to overcome these obstacles and foster peace, prosperity, and unity. Specific intercessions focused on President Tinubu, asking for wisdom, protection, and divine favor as he navigates ongoing economic reforms and national governance. Similar petitions were offered for Governor Oborevwori, with participants thanking God for his leadership style and describing him as a "divine gift" to Delta State. They committed the success of his administration's projects and policies into God's hands.
A significant portion of the prayers was dedicated to Hon. Waive, the host and federal representative for Ughelli North/Ughelli South/Udu. The clerics prayed for his continued protection, wisdom, and electoral success in 2027. They pledged to sustain the prayer momentum in their respective churches and homes, expressing firm support for his re-election bid. Speakers highlighted Waive's steadfast Christian faith amid the demands of public office, noting that his conduct and quality representation have brought pride to the Christian community in the constituency.
Archbishop Solomon Gbakara and Ven. Badawusi commended Waive for remaining faithful to his calling despite political pressures. In separate interventions, Archbishop Obieh and Bishop Chris Okoh asked God to uphold him as a shining example in a morally challenging environment. Rev. Deke and Ven. Kpagban also prayed for divine protection and continuous victory for the lawmaker.
Revd. (Hon.) Francis Ejiroghene Waive, responding to the outpouring of support, expressed profound gratitude to his fellow clergymen. "I am deeply appreciative of your unwavering prayers and solidarity," he said. He reaffirmed his commitment to contribute more meaningfully to Nigeria's growth and stability while staying true to his ministerial calling and legislative responsibilities. Waive assured the gathering that he would continue prioritizing service to his constituents and the nation at large.
Born on May 21, 1966, in Lagos, Waive holds a Second Class Upper degree in Accounting from Bendel State University (now Ambrose Alli University), Ekpoma. After completing his National Youth Service Corps with Oceanic Bank (now Ecobank Nigeria), he worked briefly in banking before resigning to pursue full-time ministry. In 1997, he founded the Church of the Anointing in Warri, Delta State, where he served as General Overseer until entering politics. Elected to the House of Representatives in 2019 under the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform, Waive has served as Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Power during his first term. Now in his second term, he is known for blending spiritual leadership with legislative advocacy, including efforts toward creating Ughelli East Local Government Area.
The Annual Day of Prayers, initiated by Waive, has evolved into a significant platform for spiritual mobilization ahead of elections. Previous editions, such as those in 2023 and 2025, similarly featured endorsements from religious leaders and community groups, emphasizing moral governance and divine backing for political aspirations.
The event reflects broader trends in Nigerian politics, where religious leaders often play influential roles in shaping public opinion and mobilizing voters, particularly in the predominantly Christian southern regions. With the 2027 elections approaching—featuring presidential, governorship, and National Assembly contests—the prayers signal early consolidation of support for Tinubu's potential re-election bid, Oborevwori's continuation in Delta, and Waive's return to the House.
Governor Oborevwori, who assumed office in 2023, has garnered praise for infrastructure projects, road rehabilitation, and youth empowerment initiatives across Delta State. His administration's focus on security and economic development aligns with the clerics' calls for victory over insecurity. President Tinubu's reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and currency unification, continue to dominate national discourse, with supporters framing them as necessary for long-term stability.
In Ughelli and surrounding areas, Waive's representation has been credited with constituency projects, empowerment programs, and advocacy for local issues like education, health, and infrastructure. His dual role as pastor and politician resonates deeply with faith-based communities, who view his involvement as a model of ethical leadership.
As Nigeria edges closer to 2027, such prayer gatherings highlight the intersection of faith, politics, and community aspirations. Participants vowed to intensify intercessions, believing divine favor will guide the nation's leaders through turbulent times toward electoral success and national progress.
The Ughelli Kingdom Hall event concluded on a note of unity and hope, with clerics and attendees committing to ongoing spiritual warfare for peace, justice, and prosperity in Delta State and Nigeria at large.
