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"I left PDP to APC without praying": Abbo seeks divine guidance with 31-day fast

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, August 29th 2025 at 20:00 GMT by legit
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Senator Elisha Abbo Announces 31‑Day Fast as “Political Move” – “I Am No Longer Moved By Sight”

In a move that has sparked conversations across political and religious circles, Senator Elisha Abbo, the incumbent representative of Oyo North senatorial district, announced that he would undertake a 31‑day fast. The Nigerian senator framed the fast as a “political move” designed to shift the cultural and moral compass of Nigerian politics, declaring, “I am no longer moved by sight.” The statement, made during a press briefing at the Senate chambers in Abuja on Friday, 29 March 2024, has already attracted attention from fellow lawmakers, media houses, and the public at large.

Who Is Senator Elisha Abbo?

Elisha Abbo, a 49‑year‑old businessman and politician, first entered the political arena as the Deputy Governor of Oyo State under Governor Saheed Lamido Akiwumi (2014‑2018). He later contested and won the senatorial seat for Oyo North in the 2019 general elections, running on the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket. Since taking office, he has been an active participant in committees dealing with agriculture, commerce, and the environment. He is also a vocal critic of what he describes as “moral decay” and “political corruption” in Nigeria.

Abbo has cultivated a reputation for being outspoken, often expressing his concerns about how public officials sometimes prioritize personal gain over national interest. He is known for his charismatic speeches at religious and civic events, which blend political commentary with spiritual exhortation.

The 31‑Day Fast: An Unconventional Political Tool

During the press briefing, Abbo explained that the fast is a deliberate political act rather than a purely religious one. “I have decided to fast for 31 days, not just for my personal faith, but to send a message to my fellow politicians and the Nigerian people,” he said. “I am no longer moved by sight; I want to show that we can choose moral action over visual charisma.”

The senator highlighted that the fast is meant to demonstrate that a politician can lead by example, emphasizing integrity and accountability. “When I sit down to fast, I am putting my political office on the line,” he continued. “It is a statement that I am willing to sacrifice my comfort and even my position for the betterment of the nation.”

Abbo added that his fast would take place in a “publicly visible setting,” allowing citizens to witness his commitment. He also mentioned that he would hold a weekly prayer session and a public discourse on the ethics of politics, encouraging other lawmakers to follow suit. “If I can inspire even one other politician to consider this path, the ripple effect could be transformative,” he said.

Reactions From the Senate and Beyond

The announcement quickly resonated among some senators who see it as a fresh approach to tackling Nigeria’s entrenched political issues. Senator Oyeleye Adekola, a close ally of Abbo, said, “We need more bold moves. If Senator Abbo can lead by example, maybe we’ll see a shift in how we approach governance.” Others expressed caution. Senator Adeyemi Omotayo, an APC stalwart from Lagos, remarked that “such a fast might be symbolic but may not address systemic problems.”

Public reaction has been mixed. Social media erupted with both support and skepticism. Twitter users used hashtags like #SenAbboFast and #PoliticsWithIntegrity to discuss the move. Some followers praised the senator for attempting “real change,” while others questioned whether a fast would genuinely improve governance.

Several faith leaders weighed in as well. Pastor Emmanuel Ayodele of the Oyo City Mission said, “The fast is a powerful spiritual act, but it is not a substitute for systemic reforms. We need both faith and policy changes.” Meanwhile, the Oyo State Anglican Diocese offered to support the senator’s efforts, providing logistical and spiritual assistance.

The Underlying Context: Moral Decay and Political Turbulence

Abbo’s fast is not an isolated incident but part of a broader narrative about Nigeria’s political climate. Over the past decade, Nigerian politics has been criticized for a lack of accountability, corruption, and the increasing use of money and influence over substantive policy debates. Abbo’s statement that he is “no longer moved by sight” suggests a desire to shift from a culture where “look is king” to one where actions and ethical standards matter more.

The senator referenced several recent scandals in the Senate, including questionable expense claims and alleged misuse of public funds, to underscore why he believes a moral reset is essential. “We cannot rely on the old methods of influence; we must bring new values to the halls of power,” he said.

Practical Implications and Possible Outcomes

While the idea of a 31‑day fast may appear symbolic, the senator has outlined concrete steps he intends to take during the period. These include:

1. Public Accountability Sessions – Weekly forums where he will discuss his progress and answer questions from constituents.
2. Policy Drafts on Ethical Reform – A set of proposals aimed at strengthening the Senate’s anti-corruption mechanisms.
3. Community Outreach – Visits to schools and community centers to discuss leadership and integrity.
4. Collaborations with NGOs – Partnerships with civic groups to monitor and report on government performance.

If successful, the fast could serve as a catalyst for broader reforms, prompting other lawmakers to adopt similar measures or at least consider their personal and public conduct more critically.

Conclusion

Senator Elisha Abbo’s announcement of a 31‑day fast has already stirred debate across Nigeria’s political, religious, and civic spheres. By positioning the fast as a “political move,” he challenges conventional notions of leadership and proposes that real change requires both moral courage and public accountability. Whether this act will translate into substantive policy changes remains to be seen, but it undeniably signals a willingness to experiment with unconventional approaches to address long‑standing problems in Nigerian governance.

Only time will reveal if the senator’s sacrifice will inspire a new era of “politics with integrity” or if it will simply be a symbolic gesture in a system resistant to change. For now, the nation watches closely, curious to see whether the fast will bring the moral renewal that Senator Abbo so earnestly seeks.