2023 elections, step to a better Nigeria-Ekundayo, Harvest Field Overseer

By Wilson Adekumola

Founder of Harvest Field International Church, Rev. Francis Ekundayo, has urged Nigerians not to despair while assuring that the 2023 election will turn out to be a stepping stone to a better country.

Ekundayo spoke to Church Times at the annual conference of the church in Ota, Ogun State on Sunday, December 4

He pleaded with Nigerians to participate actively in the electioneering process.

He said, “Nigerians should vote for candidates they believe will take Nigeria out of the doldrums. Nigerians should vote for candidates they believe have the blueprint to fix the country irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.” 

Many Nigerians according to him are frustrated. “People are fed up because they have been voting repeatedly in every election but things are getting worse. And that is why so many people are not even ready to vote because they see their vote as a waste.

“But I will encourage everyone to participate in the oncoming general election and vote for people they believe have a good plan for the poor masses. I believe Nigeria will be better after the election. I see Nigeria in a better situation and that is the hope we have. Our hope is not lost, whatever the case may be, whatever method God wants to use, no one can tell, because God owns Nigeria

God knows the best for Nigeria

“He knows the best method, if God says it is through the election He is going to change things around, so be it. But if God decides otherwise we cannot query  Him. All we want is that Nigeria must be better. How God will do it no one can tell.”

While noting that democracy is a global practice that has given people the right to choose their leaders, he said Christians should have the right attitude towards election.

“The issue of election is a feature of democracy that is addressed and appreciated worldwide, we run democracy in Nigeria like the US and some other countries. And when you talk about democracy, an individual has a right to vote and be voted for.

“So, as Christians, we also have the right to vote and be voted for, Christians should have a right attitude towards elections, Christians should not run away from election, either by way of contesting or by way of voting, for whoever they think is the best.

 “As Christians, we have the right to choose who we want to rule over us so that we can practice our faith peacefully. As Christians, we don’t want leaders of any faith who will give us headache. So, let us perform our civic duty and commit the rest to God who determines our faith.

Ekundayo who said he has never told his members to vote for a particular candidate, stated further that “The issue of Muslim/Muslim ticket should not be an issue at all. It is an individual thing. Individuals should also decide who they want, if you are not comfortable with the MM ticket there are other candidates you can also vote for. 

“But if you think you are comfortable with MM fine. All we need is someone that has what it takes to revamp the nation, someone that will lead us aright. We need a good leader irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation, that can change things for good. We need a leader who will support the things of the Lord. That is all I think should be our priorities now.”

Rev and Mrs Francis Ekundayo

Walk with God

In his sermon, the cleric who centered on the theme: “Walking with the mighty God”  told the participants to continue walking with God in order to appreciate Him. He said if they don’t even have any reason to walk with Him but the fact that they are alive today is enough reason to walk with the Lord in appreciation of His goodness.

He recalled how losing his bosom friend in secondary school shocked him but that only reminds him of how compassionate God is today.

 “If you don’t have any reason to walk with Him in appreciation of His goodness, just think how you can make up for his love for you. Walk with the Lord to show His appreciation for what he has done for you. Your living today is as a result of His benevolence towards you.”

Ekundayo explained that this 11th edition was special and mighty because God gifted them “Mercy” after they had waited on the Lord for the fruit of the womb for three years.

“I think God was waiting for me to start His work as instructed before my wife could conceive. It was around February/March 2004 we started this church. My wife conceived around April and put to birth in December same year. Both my daughter and the church are eighteen years old. You can see that it is a special one, mighty and unique one indeed.”

The event spanned three days, December 2-December 4, and featured praises, workshops, lectures, drama, song ministration, and other impactful activities.

The guest ministers at the convention include;  Prophet Isaac Ojo preached on “walking with mighty God by faith”, Pastor Samson Adeyemo came from Ikorodu, Christ Exalters, the gospel artiste who came from Ijebu Ode to grace the occasion among others.