NEWS
“Osun State Election Is in God’s Hands… Let the Presidency Stay Away from Influencing the Election” — Primate Ayodele Warns President Tinubu Against Interfering in Governorship Election, Predicts Crisis if Process Is Manipulated
The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu against interfering in the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, warning that any attempt to influence the outcome could have grave political and national consequences.
In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, the renowned cleric urged the Presidency to refrain from imposing any candidate on the people of Osun State through unlawful means, insisting that such actions would ultimately backfire.
Primate Ayodele stressed that the governorship election is of strategic importance, not only to Osun State but also to the country’s political future, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections. He maintained that any attempt to alter what he described as the will of God and the electorate could plunge the nation into avoidable crisis while also affecting President Tinubu’s political ambitions.
“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 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.
“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,” the statement said.
Beyond his warning to the Presidency, the cleric raised concerns over the security situation surrounding the election, urging the Inspector General of Police and the military to ensure massive deployment of security personnel across the state.
According to him, intelligence available to him suggests that some individuals and groups have allegedly perfected plans to instigate violence during the election. He warned that failure to adequately secure the process could result in widespread unrest and bloodshed.
“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 in the course of the election, and this can lead to bloodshed if not well handled. The people must be protected at all costs; enough security operatives must be deployed.”
Primate Ayodele also directed his message to the candidates contesting the governorship election, advising incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke to remain vigilant and fully prepared for what he described as an intense political battle.
He predicted that the election would be dominated by money, violence and manipulation, warning that the governor’s opponents were determined to unseat him despite his popularity among the people.
“Governor Adeleke must prepare well; the election is going to look like war because his opposition is ready to take him out of the race. It will be an election of money, violence and manipulation. If he doesn’t stand well and stay on alert, even though he is the right person for the people of Osun, he may be rigged out”
The cleric equally appealed to the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to shun violence and avoid engaging in dirty politics, emphasizing that no political office is worth the loss of human lives.
He urged the APC flag bearer and his supporters to pursue their political ambitions peacefully and accept the eventual outcome of the election in good faith.
“For the APC candidate, the governorship seat isn’t a must; he shouldn’t involve himself in violence or his followers because of the election. No life is worth being wasted because of the governorship position. Whatever the outcome is, take it in good faith,” he said.