Politicians Use Pastors Then Abandon Them-Primate Ayodele
The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has urged Nigerians, especially young people, not to risk their lives for politicians during elections. He issued the warning in a video shared on TikTok on Monday. He cautioned citizens against allowing political supporters to manipulate them into violence.
The cleric argued that politicians often maintain relationships with one another despite fierce competition among their supporters.
“Nigerians especially, don’t die for politicians,” Ayodele said. He urged citizens to avoid fighting or making dangerous sacrifices for political figures.
The warning comes ahead of another election season, with political activities expected to intensify across the country.
Ayodele also cautioned young Nigerians against accepting money to participate in political violence. He said supporters could face serious consequences if they became involved in clashes or other dangerous activities while politicians remained protected.
“Don’t kill yourself. Election is coming soon. Don’t let them use you because of N1m or N500,000 they will give you,” he said.
ALSO READ: Security Agencies Must Act on Provocative Religious Remarks-Pastor Enenche
The cleric further warned against allowing political differences to destroy relationships between ordinary Nigerians.
According to Ayodele, political rivals can reconcile after elections, while supporters who become victims of violence may be left to deal with the consequences. He cited political figures from Osun State as an example, saying supporters should not allow electoral rivalry to turn into personal hostility.
Ayodele also extended the warning to religious leaders. He said politicians could use pastors and other influential figures to advance their interests before abandoning them afterwards.
The cleric questioned whether political leaders would expose members of their own families to the risks they sometimes encourage supporters to face.
“Can they send their children to war on any of their families?” he asked.
Ayodele urged young people seeking political participation to remain cautious. He advised them to examine political issues carefully rather than blindly defending or praising politicians.
The cleric maintained that political disagreements should not cost Nigerians their safety, relationships or lives. He called on citizens to prioritise their families and future over temporary political rewards.
Source: Punch news
Content Credit: Esther Adeyemi
Image Credit: Facebook.com
