Primate Ayodele Urges Tinubu to Stay Out of Osun Governorship Election

Primate Elijah Ayodele, Leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has strongly urged President Bola Tinubu and the presidency to refrain from interfering in the upcoming Osun State governorship election, warning that any attempt to manipulate the outcome could have serious national repercussions. In a statement issued on Tuesday through his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, the renowned cleric emphasized that the election remains firmly in God’s hands and should reflect the will of the people of Osun State. He cautioned against any use of illegal means to impose a preferred candidate. “Osun State election is in God’s hands. Let the Presidency stay away from influencing the election in any way because there will be consequences,” the statement read. “The President must resist every temptation and counsel that may push him to have a hand in the outcome of the election; it will not end well if the will of God and that of the people are influenced or changed.” Primate Ayodele linked the Osun poll to broader national politics, particularly the 2027 presidential election. He warned that meddling could trigger a wider crisis and ultimately harm President Tinubu’s own political ambitions. “President Tinubu must know that this election has a lot to do with the 2027 presidential election, and influencing it will create a national crisis. It’s better to avoid it by staying away and let God’s will be done,” he added. The spiritual leader also called on security agencies, including the Inspector General of Police and the military, to deploy sufficient personnel to maintain peace. He predicted potential violence, stating that certain individuals and groups have already planned to cause disruptions that could result in bloodshed if not properly managed. “Our security operatives must be on the ground during the election because I foresee serious crisis and violence. Some groups have decided and concluded plans to cause trouble... The people must be protected at all costs.” Turning to the candidates, Primate Ayodele advised Governor Ademola Adeleke to stay vigilant, describing the contest as one likely to involve significant money, violence, and manipulation. He noted that while Adeleke is the preferred choice of the people, he could still be rigged out if not well-prepared. For the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, the cleric urged restraint and avoidance of dirty politics or violence. “The governorship seat isn’t a must; he shouldn’t involve himself in violence... No life is worth being wasted because of the governorship position. Whatever the outcome is, take it in good faith.” The Osun governorship election has drawn significant attention as a potential bellwether for future political battles in Nigeria. Primate Ayodele’s intervention reflects his pattern of issuing faith-based guidance and warnings on major national events.

The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu to stay away from influencing the governorship election in Osun State. In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele warned the presidency against forcing any candidate on the people of Osun State through illegal means, noting […] Osun election: Stay away, let God’s will be done – Primate Ayodele to Tinubu