Clerics warn youths against political violence

By Lukman Olabiyi

Christian clerics have warned Nigerian youths against allowing politicians to use them to perpetrate violence during the 2027 general elections, urging them to resist manipulation and exercise their civic rights peacefully.

The clerics also called on eligible Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the electoral process, stressing that political differences should not lead to bloodshed or destruction.

The call was made at the thanksgiving service marking the 50th anniversary of the prophetic ministry of the Founder and Baba Aladura of Ogo Sioni International Ministry, New Ark Bishop Olorunfemi Ejide, held at Ogo Sioni Avenue, off Ogundara Street, Abesan Estate, Ipaja, Lagos.

Speaking at the event, Prophet Dr. Oladipo Babatunde Okeyomi, popularly known as “Carry Go”, urged youths to channel their energy into voting rather than violence.

He warned that young Nigerians should not allow politicians to exploit them for acts of violence before, during or after the election, stressing that the consequences of political violence are often borne by the youths themselves.

“We are not going to fight with our hands; we are going to fight with our PVCs,” Okeyomi said.

He urged Nigerians to obtain their PVCs and participate peacefully in the 2027 elections, while expressing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration.

The cleric said youths should recognise the power of their votes and use the electoral process to express their preferences rather than resorting to confrontation.

His warning comes amid preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) urging political parties, candidates and citizens to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral cycle.

INEC has also stressed the importance of security and peaceful participation, noting that elections cannot be credible if citizens feel unsafe to participate.

Earlier, Ejide urged Christians across the country to participate actively in the 2027 election and said he and his family would support Tinubu’s bid for a second term.

The Baba Aladura said politics affected virtually every aspect of society, including the family, and therefore Christians should not remain indifferent to political developments.

He also praised Tinubu’s performance, particularly in the economy, and recalled the President’s tenure as governor of Lagos State, saying it laid foundations for the transformation of the state.

According to Ejide, the changes recorded under the Tinubu administration should encourage Nigerians to support its continuation.

“Before, Nigeria was regarded as being at the bottom in many areas, but today, things are changing and the economy is beginning to grow. This should tell you that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has performed very well,” he said.

The cleric expressed optimism that a second term for Tinubu would bring further transformation to the country.

Meanwhile, the guest speaker, General Overseer of Salvation Ministry, Rev. Dr. Sam Ogedengbe, described Ejide as a man who understands Christian values, respects elders and has remained committed to his calling.

Ogedengbe said reaching 50 years in the prophetic ministry was a remarkable achievement, describing the celebrant as a man of integrity whose commitment could serve as an example to others in the Christian ministry.

Ejide, who used the occasion to thank God for preserving his life and sustaining his ministry for five decades, noted that many of those who began the journey with him in 1974 were no longer alive.

He expressed gratitude for his continued strength and the growth of the ministry.

The anniversary celebration was attended by clerics, family members, friends and well-wishers who joined the celebrant in giving thanks for five decades of his prophetic ministry.