Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has criticised Christian leaders who are endorsing President Bola Tinubu for a second term ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.
Ayodele questioned the motivation behind the endorsements, suggesting that some bishops supporting Tinubu may be driven by personal interests rather than divine direction.
The cleric’s comments have added a religious dimension to the growing political debate ahead of the 2027 election, as political figures, religious leaders and interest groups increasingly express positions on the next presidential contest.
According to Ayodele, religious leaders should exercise caution before associating their spiritual authority with political candidates. He argued that endorsements presented as divine decisions should be based on genuine spiritual conviction rather than material considerations.
The comments are likely to attract attention because religious leaders have historically played influential roles in Nigeria’s political discourse. Their endorsements can shape public conversations and influence how sections of the electorate perceive political candidates.
However, political endorsements by religious figures remain a matter of individual judgment, and different Christian leaders have expressed varying views on President Tinubu and his administration.
Tinubu, who assumed office in May 2023, is seeking another term in 2027. His administration has introduced major economic reforms, including the removal of the petrol subsidy and changes to the foreign-exchange regime. While the government has defended the measures as necessary for long-term economic restructuring, critics have raised concerns about their effects on inflation, household purchasing power and living costs.
The 2027 presidential election is expected to generate increasing political activity as parties, candidates and interest groups mobilise support. Religious and traditional institutions are also likely to remain part of the broader national conversation.
Ayodele’s latest remarks therefore underscore the growing debate over the role of religious leaders in Nigerian politics and whether spiritual endorsements should influence electoral choices. As the election approaches, competing political and religious perspectives are expected to intensify.
