Senior pastor David Ibiyeomie has urged Nigerians not to sell their votes ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that the temporary benefits of vote buying often lead to years of suffering under poor leadership.
Speaking during a church service, the cleric advised citizens to prioritize competence, character and capacity when choosing leaders rather than voting based on political party affiliation or financial inducements.
According to him, the money offered to voters during elections may provide only short term relief, while the consequences of electing the wrong leaders can last for years.
“If any of you collect money to go and vote, and are saying it’s money I will chop? The money you get before is only for one week. What are the rest of the four years? Never sell your conscience for money,” he said.
Ibiyeomie further encouraged Nigerians to focus on candidates who have the ability to deliver results, insisting that performance should matter more than party loyalty.
“Don’t vote party, vote who can deliver,” he stated.
The pastor also called on citizens to resist oppression and stand for truth, emphasizing that collective action by ordinary people remains a powerful force in any democracy.
“When masses say no, nobody stands,” he added.
Addressing members of the judiciary, Ibiyeomie challenged them to uphold justice and integrity in the discharge of their duties, urging them to leave behind a legacy they would be proud of.
He also criticized religious leaders who publicly endorse politicians they know are incapable of providing effective leadership, stressing that faith leaders should place conscience and national interest above political considerations.
“Don’t pray for a man who cannot deliver. Pray for somebody who has conscience,” he said.
The pastor maintained that his comments were not politically motivated but driven by concern for the future of the country, warning that voters who trade their votes for money often pay a far greater price through years of poor governance and missed opportunities for national development.