Apostle Michael Olowookere, Lead Servant of Corban Christian Assembly, has warned politicians planning to manipulate the outcome of the 2027 general elections that they should be prepared to face the consequences of their actions.
The cleric, who spoke while addressing his congregation, said Nigerians had endured enough hardship and should no longer remain passive while politicians undermine their interests through electoral malpractice.
Olowookere declared that anyone attempting to rig the forthcoming elections would face strong resistance, stressing that the people must be prepared to defend their votes.
“What will I tell you? If you intend to come and rig election, this election, be prepared to die. It is rig and die. Simple,” he said.
He equally cautioned Nigerians against allowing political desperation to push them into violence, urging voters to remain vigilant and protect their votes during the electoral process.
The pastor also criticised what he described as selfish prayers among Christians, particularly those centred on personal comfort while the country continues to experience economic hardship.
According to him, some believers have adopted the attitude of praying that Nigeria's economic problems should not affect them and their families, instead of seeking a better society for everyone.
He described such prayers as ungodly, hypocritical and rooted in selfishness, arguing that they encourage indifference towards poor governance.
“It is a prayer of hypocrisy. It is a prayer of greed. It is a prayer of selfishness,” Olowookere said.
He added that Christians should stop praying only for their personal survival while ignoring the suffering of other Nigerians.
The clergyman argued that such an attitude has contributed to the failure of citizens to hold political leaders accountable for their actions and shortcomings.
He cited the rising cost of fuel, food and other essential commodities as evidence of the economic difficulties facing Nigerians, insisting that religious leaders should not encourage people to accept hardship as normal.
Olowookere also challenged Nigerians to assess the performance of President Bola Tinubu's administration since assuming office in 2023 before deciding whether to support him for another term.
He listed the rising cost of living, increasing school fees, fuel prices and persistent insecurity as some of the issues voters should consider when evaluating the government's performance.
“If you think Tinubu has done well since 2023 that he came in, if you think you have voted for a cheaper life since he came in, if you think your tuition fee has reduced since he came in, if you think the cost of living has reduced since he came in, if you think fuel has dropped cheaper for you since he came in, if you think you can travel on the road and there is no insecurity problem since he came in, go and vote him again, no problem,” he said.
However, he urged Nigerians dissatisfied with the administration's performance to reconsider giving the president another mandate.
Describing the administration as a failure, Olowookere questioned whether a government that had allegedly performed poorly during its first term could deliver better results if returned to power.
He maintained that his position was not intended to dictate how Nigerians should vote but to encourage them to make informed decisions based on their experiences.
The cleric further advised voters to remain at polling units and protect their votes rather than resort to violence or allow political thugs to disrupt the electoral process.
He warned that electoral malpractice ultimately hurts ordinary citizens more than politicians, noting that the people bear the consequences of poor leadership through higher living costs, insecurity and deteriorating public services.
“Every time they rig election, it is not the people who rig the election that suffer. It is you, the people, that suffer it,” he said.
Olowookere also condemned the practice of religious institutions providing their altars to politicians for campaign activities, describing it as a desecration of sacred spaces.
He said churches should welcome politicians who wish to worship but should not allow their platforms to be turned into campaign grounds, particularly by politicians who only remember religious institutions during election periods.
According to him, the willingness of some church leaders to accommodate politicians for political purposes has weakened the moral influence of the Christian community.
The pastor further blamed poor governance for the difficult conditions confronting Nigerians, describing it as a major obstacle to individual progress and national development.
“Bad governance is worse than witchcraft,” he declared.
He explained that many Nigerians who struggle to achieve their potential at home experience significant improvements in their living conditions after relocating abroad, arguing that poor leadership has contributed to the country's economic difficulties.
Olowookere also criticised the frequency of foreign trips by public officials, questioning how leaders who frequently seek medical attention abroad could adequately improve Nigeria's healthcare system.
He expressed concern over the widening gap between workers' earnings and the rising cost of basic necessities, comparing the purchasing power of the former N30,000 minimum wage with the current N70,000 national minimum wage.
He argued that although the minimum wage has increased, the rising prices of food, transportation and other essential goods have significantly reduced its real value.
The cleric also declared his support for Peter Obi, expressing confidence that the former Anambra State governor would provide better leadership if elected president.
He, however, promised to hold Obi accountable if he failed to meet Nigerians' expectations.
“Me, I am putting my reputation on the line. If Obi gets to the office and does not do well, I'll be the first person to criticise him,” he said.
Olowookere urged Nigerians, particularly Christians, to take a more active role in demanding accountability from political leaders and to reject the politics of selfishness, electoral manipulation and poor governance.
See video
https://twitter.com/i_am_agbeke/status/2120455825885958195
