Release International

Christians fear that persecution, particularly in Nigeria's northern states, will rise after the election of a Muslim president in last month's polls.

Umaru Musa Yar'Adua of the ruling People's Democratic Party won a landslide victory in controversial elections in April, prompting accusations that voting was chaotic and rigged.

Although Yar'Adua is considered less of a threat to Christians' liberty than his main opponent, General Muhammadu Buhari, many churches are not enthusiastic about his victory at the polls.

Yar'Adua, former president Obasanjo's designated successor, was previously governor of Katsina, a northern Sharia state; indeed Islamic law was ushered in on his watch. Under his rule, Christians say they have been increasingly denied freedom of worship and the right to build new churches. And he has made little attempt to address their concerns.

The new national government is scheduled to take power on May 29 but, at the time of writing, both main opposition candidates were demanding a re-run.

• Pray that the new president and the newly elected state governors will govern fairly.
• Pray that the new cabinet will studiously uphold the rights of all faith communities.

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