Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, popularly known as Winners Chapel. He’s got some strong words for his congregation, and indeed for all Nigerians, as we start looking towards the 2027 general elections. And trust me, you’ll want to hear what he has to say.
“No Member of This Church Will Play the Fool”: A Bishop’s Directive
Imagine sitting in church, perhaps on a Sunday morning, expecting a sermon, and then hearing your spiritual leader deliver a direct, no-holds-barred warning about your political choices. That’s exactly what Bishop David Oyedepo did. He made it crystal clear that he wouldn’t allow members of his vast congregation to “make the wrong choice this time around” in the upcoming 2027 elections. It’s a bold stance, perhaps even a controversial one for some, but it speaks to the deep frustration and concern many religious leaders feel about the state of the nation.
Oyedepo, speaking during a recent service, really hammered home the importance of making informed decisions. He wasn’t just talking about blind faith; he was talking about tangible, real-world consequences of political choices. He’s basically saying, “Look, we’ve been here before. Let’s not repeat past mistakes.” This kind of direct intervention from a prominent clergyman holds immense sway in a deeply religious society like Nigeria, where spiritual guidance often intertwines with secular decisions. His words carry weight, potentially influencing millions of voters who look up to him for direction, not just in spiritual matters, but in life choices that affect their well-being.
The Haunting Question: “Is the Money They Gave You Still There?”
One of the most striking parts of his address was a poignant, rhetorical question directed at those who might have been swayed by financial inducements during previous elections. He queried, with a tone that suggests both lament and challenge: “The money they gave you in the last election, I’m sure it’s still there?” This isn’t just a question; it’s a stark reminder of the often-temporary nature of monetary gains exchanged for votes, contrasting sharply with the long-term, painful consequences of poor governance.
This particular question hits a raw nerve in Nigeria, where vote-buying and the monetization of elections remain significant challenges to democratic integrity. It forces individuals to reflect on the immediate gratification of a few naira against years of hardship, insecurity, and economic instability that often follow elections where merit and good leadership are sidelined for pecuniary benefits. Bishop Oyedepo’s aim here seems to be to awaken a sense of civic responsibility and foresight, urging his members to prioritize sustainable development and good governance over fleeting financial inducements. He’s pushing for a paradigm shift from short-sighted personal gain to long-term national interest.
Lamenting the Erosion of Federal Character
Beyond the direct warning about voting choices, Bishop Oyedepo also expressed profound disappointment regarding the deterioration of Nigeria’s “Federal character.” This concept is a cornerstone of Nigerian federalism, designed to ensure equity and fair representation across the country’s diverse ethnic, religious, and geographical divides in government appointments, resource distribution, and policy implementation. Its erosion often fuels grievances, exacerbates ethnic tensions, and undermines national unity.
He articulated his concerns by pointing to worrying trends: “Today you have Muslim-Muslim ticket being propagated, tomorrow you have Fulani-Fulani propagated, next tomorrow you have governors transfer it to their own brothers, because federal character has been destroyed….” These statements are highly charged, touching upon sensitive political debates that have dominated Nigeria’s recent political landscape. The “Muslim-Muslim ticket” refers to the controversy surrounding the presidential ticket where both the presidential candidate and vice-presidential candidate are of the same religion, sparking concerns about religious inclusivity. The “Fulani-Fulani propagated” hints at perceived ethnic dominance or preferential treatment within certain government structures, a point of contention for many non-Fulani groups. The observation about governors transferring power to “their own brothers” speaks to the pervasive issue of nepotism and dynastic politics that often overrides meritocracy and equitable representation.
Oyedepo’s lament is a powerful critique of practices that undermine the very fabric of national cohesion and fair governance. He’s essentially saying that when key government positions and opportunities are not distributed equitably across the diverse groups that make up Nigeria, it breeds resentment, marginalization, and a sense of disenfranchisement, which can ultimately threaten the stability of the nation. For a bishop with a national and international following, highlighting these issues from the pulpit brings them directly to the consciousness of millions, urging them to consider how these imbalances impact their daily lives and the future of the country.
The Echo Chamber of Public Frustration: Reactions from Nigerians
Bishop Oyedepo’s statements, as expected, resonated deeply with many Nigerians, sparking a flurry of reactions on social media. These responses often reflect the widespread frustration, disillusionment, and economic hardship currently experienced by ordinary citizens, irrespective of their ethnic or religious affiliations.
Consider churchill_777‘s poignant comment, which directly references the economic fallout and the perceived consequences of past political choices: “After abusing Peter Obi and teaching him a lesson: Many have sold their cars, Many cannot pay their rent, Many are drinking roots and agbo because they can not afford medicines. Many cannot afford fuel. Many have gone into involuntary exercise due to the high cost of transportation. Japa has become exclusive privilege-of the rich. The cost of an Android phone is now the same amount for Corolla 2005. Yam and garri for market how far? It is our turn. No one is exempted. Tribalism is a seed with multi-faceted and great consequences. The results of bad governance don’t respect tribe or religion. But will they learn?”
This comment is a powerful microcosm of the prevailing sentiment. It reflects:
- Regret and Consequences: The user connects the current economic hardship (selling cars, inability to pay rent, unaffordable medicine and fuel) directly to the “lesson” presumably taught to Peter Obi’s supporters or to choices made in the last election.
- Widespread Suffering: The reference to “drinking roots and agbo” (traditional herbal concoctions) due to inability to afford modern medicine, and “involuntary exercise” due to high transport costs, paints a grim picture of daily struggles.
- Exacerbated Inequality: “Japa” (the trend of Nigerians emigrating) becoming exclusive to the rich underscores deepening class divides.
- Inflation’s Grip: The stark comparison of an Android phone cost to a 2005 Corolla, and the rhetorical “Yam and garri for market how far?” (how expensive are staple foods?) vividly illustrates hyperinflation.
- Condemnation of Tribalism: The strong statement “Tribalism is a seed with multi-faceted and great consequences. The results of bad governance don’t respect tribe or religion” directly aligns with Oyedepo’s lament about Federal character, emphasizing that economic pain transcends ethnic or religious lines. It’s a plea for unity against bad governance.
Another user, bigkhalif, echoed concerns about tribalism: “I remembered the series of Altercations some Yoruba folks had with me about speaking against their Brother coming into power; now the amount of beggars on the streets of Lagos is more than the Almajiri in the north. It breaks my heart to see what tribalism has done to us.. OUR OWN OUR OWN. Hmmm.” This speaks to the pervasive “our own” mentality that often overrides merit in Nigerian politics, leading to poor choices with far-reaching consequences. The comparison between beggars in Lagos and Almajiri (Quranic students, often associated with street begging in Northern Nigeria) is a dramatic illustration of economic hardship spreading across regions.
mrbelieve added a global perspective: “It’s really sad. If you’re privileged to travel outside Nigeria you will weep for what is happening.” This comment highlights the stark contrast in living conditions and governance experienced by those who have seen how things operate elsewhere, underscoring the deep disappointment with Nigeria’s current state.
Finally, igbalodebanker zeroed in on Oyedepo’s implicit acknowledgment of past mistakes and the continued danger of vote-buying: “Do you hear the prayer point?? God deliver Nigeria from making another wrong choice meaning we already made one bad choice and we pray we don’t make another one again if you like go collect 2k and vote a bad choice just like portable asking lege in a video he posted on his IG asking for money to campaign for tinubu.. Lord deliver us. From Pharo ooo.” This user directly interprets Oyedepo’s “wrong choice” as an admission of past error and warns against repeating the cycle of selling votes for meagre sums, citing the infamous Portable video as an example of artists openly requesting money for campaign support. The “Lord deliver us. From Pharo ooo” is a plea for liberation from oppressive leadership, reminiscent of the biblical Pharaoh.
The Road to 2027: A Call for Deliberate Choice
Bishop Oyedepo’s warning, amplified by the raw sentiments of Nigerians online, sets a crucial tone as the country inches closer to the 2027 general elections. It’s a powerful call for introspection, responsibility, and a fundamental shift in how citizens engage with the electoral process. The message is clear: the consequences of political choices are deeply felt in everyday lives, and prioritizing national well-being over short-term gains or narrow allegiances is paramount.
For a nation grappling with persistent economic hardship, insecurity, and socio-political fragmentation, the upcoming elections will be more than just a democratic exercise; they will be a critical juncture. Oyedepo, through his influential platform, is challenging Nigerians to learn from past experiences, to resist divisive narratives, and to consciously choose leaders who can genuinely steer the country towards progress, unity, and prosperity. Whether his powerful words will translate into a more informed and discerning electorate in 2027 remains to be seen, but the conversation has certainly begun.
